Mustangs End Weekend with Sweep of Culver-Stockton

CANTON, Mo. — Mount Mercy (17-9, 7-1) claimed a commanding 9-2 victory over Culver-Stockton (6-17, 1-6) on Sunday at Nichols Field, followed by a hard-fought 6-4 win in the second game of the doubleheader.

Game One
Mount Mercy's offense came alive with a five-run seventh inning, securing the win and demonstrating their prowess at the plate. The turning point of the game occurred in the fifth inning when Drew Terpins singled and later scored on Chase Gerwig's RBI single. Yahirdavi Ortiz and Gerwig then crossed home on a double by Derek Einertson, who scored on a wild pitch, putting the Mustangs ahead 3-0 after five innings. In the sixth, Tommy Taylor, pinch-running for Nick Meyer, scored on Sam Wiese's double, extending the lead to 4-0. Culver-Stockton responded with two runs, including one on a fielding error, narrowing the gap to 4-2 by the end of the sixth.

The Mustangs dominated the seventh inning, beginning with Gerwig scoring on Kade Knock's fielder's choice. Einertson and Christian Graves continued to add to the score with consecutive plays, and Meyer's two-RBI double further extended the lead. A hit-by-pitch allowed Lane Spieker to score, bringing the total to five runs in the inning and widening the lead to 9-2.

Tyler Nagelbach pitched effectively for Mount Mercy, allowing just two runs over seven innings while striking out 11. Final score: Mount Mercy 9, Culver-Stockton 2.

Brandon Diaz Valentin was a standout for Culver-Stockton, contributing both offensively and defensively with one hit and one RBI, while also recording an assist from his shortstop position. Cooper Kiel made a significant impact with the bat, hitting a triple in his two at-bats. Kannon Kirk stood out defensively at third base, leading the team with four assists. Aaron Barr showed endurance on the mound, pitching six innings and striking out four batters despite allowing seven hits and four earned runs.

Game Two
In the second game, Mount Mercy clinched a 6-4 win over Culver-Stockton, rallying with three runs in each of the final two innings. The game remained scoreless through the first five innings until Mount Mercy broke through in the top of the sixth. Chase Gerwig reached on a fielding error by the Wildcats and eventually scored on a single to right from Christian Graves. Kade Knock made it home on a double by Lane Spieker, and Nick Meyer finished the inning with an RBI single driving in Graves, putting the Mustangs up 3-0.

Mount Mercy widened the gap in the seventh. Sam Wiese reached on an error and was replaced by pinch-runner Nash Clementz, who scored on a wild pitch. Drew Terpins, after a walk, also scored on the same play. Gerwig added another run, crossing the plate on a sacrifice fly by Knock, extending the Mustangs' lead to 6-0. Culver-Stockton answered back in the bottom of the seventh. Wyatt Wright reached on a throwing error and scored on a wild pitch. Ethan Weber's RBI single and Harry Oden's two-RBI double cut the lead, but the Mustangs held on for a 6-4 victory.

Graves led the Mustangs with three hits, an RBI, and a run scored. Spieker contributed two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Cole Conner was strong on the mound, throwing 6 1/3 innings with six strikeouts and allowing just one earned run. Gerwig scored twice and added a hit.

Oden was a standout for the Wildcats, tallying three hits and two RBIs, including two doubles. Weber also made his mark with a hit and an RBI in his only plate appearance. Cooper Kiel added a double and a walk while performing well behind the plate. On the mound, Brayden Prott pitched 6 1/3 innings, struck out four, and maintained a WHIP of 1.31, despite taking the loss.

The Mustangs hold a record of 17-9 overall and stand at 7-1 in the conference, while Culver-Stockton is now 6-18 and 1-7 in conference play.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will travel to face Missouri Valley on Tuesday, March 24, at 12 p.m. in Marshall, Mo.