Mustangs Sweep Friday Doubleheader; Extend Win Streak to 12

GRIMES, Iowa — Mount Mercy (26-9, 13-1) secured a decisive 6–1 victory and edged past Grand View (17-13, 10-8) with a 2-1 win on Friday during their doubleheader.

In the first game, the Mustangs capitalized on a three-run fifth inning and limited the Vikings to just five hits, ensuring their strong conference record remains intact. Mount Mercy started the game strong with Derek Einertson doubling down the left field line. Kade Knock reached on a fielder's choice, and Christian Graves walked, setting the stage for Lane Spieker's RBI single to right field, bringing Knock home for the first run. After the first inning, the Mustangs led 1–0.

Grand View tied the game in the bottom of the second inning. Weston Barber singled and advanced on multiple failed pickoff attempts before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Tatum Nuss. The score was tied at 1–1 by the end of the second inning.

In the fourth inning, Spieker walked and advanced to third on Nick Meyer's single. A sacrifice fly by Drew Terpins brought Spieker home, giving Mount Mercy a 2–1 lead. The Mustangs extended their advantage in the fifth inning. Einertson walked and later scored on an error by the first baseman, while Sam Wiese's double drove in two more runs. The score was 5–1 after the fifth inning.

In the seventh inning, Graves singled and Nash Clementz, who entered as a pinch runner, advanced on a groundout and scored on an error. This increased the Mustangs' lead to 6–1, which held through the end of the game. The final score was Mount Mercy 6, Grand View 1.

Tyler Nagelbach pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run over seven innings with five strikeouts. Wiese contributed offensively with two RBIs and a double. Meyer added two hits and scored a run, providing a consistent presence at the plate. Einertson recorded a double and drew two walks, enhancing the team's offensive efforts.

Bryce Stalder led the Vikings' offensive effort with a hit in his only appearance at the plate, making the most of his opportunity. Roderick Tanamor also contributed a significant play by hitting a double, adding to the team's offensive push. On the mound, Jalen Vorpahl pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits with two strikeouts but took the loss. Drew Scherbenske provided a strong relief performance, striking out four over 2 1/3 innings while allowing only one run on one hit. Barber showcased his discipline at the plate, earning a walk and scoring a run.

In the second game, Mount Mercy's pitching staff recorded 13 strikeouts, limiting Grand View to just one run over eight innings. Grand View took an early lead in the first inning after Roderick Tanamor doubled to right center, bringing home Patrick Bergkamp, who had reached on an error. This gave the Vikings a 1-0 lead.

Mount Mercy tied the game in the fourth inning with Lane Spieker's solo home run. The score was 1-1 after four innings. In the eighth inning, the Mustangs pulled ahead. Michael Rivero walked and was replaced by pinch runner Tommy Taylor, who advanced to second on a hit-by-pitch to Chase Gerwig. Derek Einertson then singled to left field, allowing Taylor to score. This put Mount Mercy in the lead, 2-1.

The game concluded with Mount Mercy defeating Grand View, 2-1. Spieker led the offense with a home run, driving in one run and scoring once. Jack Turgasen excelled on the mound, pitching 6 innings with 10 strikeouts and allowing no earned runs. Jake Weissenberger provided solid relief, striking out three batters over 2 innings while conceding just one hit. Einertson contributed with one hit, one RBI, and a stolen base.

Tanamor made a significant impact for the Vikings, recording two hits, including a double, and driving in one run. Colin Driscoll stood out with his speed on the bases, successfully stealing two bases while also drawing a walk. On the mound, Alex Foster delivered a strong performance, pitching 7 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts, despite allowing two earned runs and taking the loss.

The Mustangs have a record of 26-9 and 13-1 in the conference. The Vikings have a record of 17-13 with a 10-8 conference record.

The Mustangs will round out the weekend series in Des Moines on Saturday, with first pitch at 1 p.m.