Mustangs Close 2026 Season in Opening Round with Loss to Abraham Baldwin

UPLAND, Ind. — Mount Mercy (38-15) fell to Abraham Baldwin (40-16) with a final score of 6–4 on Tuesday at Winterholter Field to close out the season at the NAIA Opening Rounds. The Mustangs hit two home runs among their nine hits but could not overcome a four-run sixth inning by the Stallions.

The second inning saw Abraham Baldwin take an early lead with a solo home run by Kam Taylor, putting them ahead 1–0. In the fourth inning, the Stallions extended their lead as Dylan Davis homered to left field, making it 2–0.

The Mustangs' offense came alive in the sixth inning. Derek Einertson doubled down the left-field line, followed by Drew Terpins's two-run homer. Sam Wiese's RBI single later in the inning brought home pinch runner Tommy Taylor, tying the score at 3–3. Abraham Baldwin responded swiftly in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs, including a three-run homer by Chasin Cash, to regain the lead at 6–3 through six innings.

Lane Spieker provided a late spark for Mount Mercy in the eighth inning with a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 6–4.

Despite a ninth-inning single by DJ Harris, the comeback effort fell short, sealing a 6–4 victory for the Stallions.

Terpins contributed significantly with a home run and two RBIs. Spieker showcased power by hitting a home run and adding an RBI. Nick Meyer collected two hits, including a double, to support the team's offense. Einertson added a double in his single hit during the game.

Davis stood out for the Stallions with a remarkable performance, driving in two runs and scoring twice himself, while also hitting a home run. Taylor added to the power display with a home run and an RBI. Cash made a significant impact with his bat, contributing a home run and leading the team with three RBIs. On the mound, Kade Haywood delivered a complete game, allowing four earned runs on nine hits over nine innings, striking out four.