Mustangs Fall in First Game of NAIA Opening Round

UPLAND, Ind. — Mount Mercy (38-14) fell to Shawnee State (33-18) with a final score of 12-1 in a neutral-site matchup on Monday. The Bears capitalized on a six-run seventh inning to secure the victory.

Mount Mercy's Derek Einertson started the game with a double down the right field line and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Drew Terpins. Einertson scored on a wild pitch, putting the Mustangs ahead 1-0 after the first inning.

In the second inning, the Bears responded as Jack Amis tripled to center field and was brought home by Jace Parnin's double. Nolan Austin's two-run homer extended the Bears' lead to 3-1 at the end of the second inning.

The Bears added another run in the third inning. After Owen Elsey walked and advanced on a wild pitch, Parnin's double scored Elsey, increasing their lead to 4-1.

The fifth inning saw the Bears capitalize on a walk and hit-by-pitch to load the bases. Larry Drake's hit-by-pitch drove in a run, and another run scored when Wyatt Haupt grounded into a double play, stretching the Bears' lead to 6-1.

The Bears broke the game open in the seventh inning, benefiting from a series of Mustangs errors. Amis singled and advanced on a fielding error, allowing Byson Arthur to score. Parnin then hit a two-run homer. Zach Gaspar later cleared the bases with a double, bringing their lead to 12-1.

The Mustangs were unable to mount a comeback as the game concluded with a 12-1 victory for the Bears.

Einertson collected two hits, both doubles, and scored a run in his performance. Christian Graves added two hits while playing first base. Jack Turgasen pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out one batter. Payton Hodges threw 2 1/3 innings, conceding two earned runs, including a home run.

Parnin emerged as a key player for the Bears, showcasing a remarkable performance with four hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in four runs. Ricardo Medrano delivered on the mound, throwing a complete game, allowing just one earned run across seven innings, and securing the win. Austin contributed offensively with a home run among his two RBIs. Amis made a notable impact by scoring three runs and hitting a triple, while Arthur crossed the plate twice to support the team's scoring efforts.

The Mustangs are set for an elimination game tomorrow against Abraham Baldwin, starting at 10 a.m.