Mustangs Take Opener, Drop High-Scoring Nightcap to Baker

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University faced Baker University in a thrilling doubleheader on Sunday, resulting in a mix of highs and lows for the Mustangs. They secured an 8-5 victory in the first game before narrowly falling 10-8 in the second, bringing their overall record to 10-20 and 5-7 in conference play, while Baker improved to 15-12 overall and 3-5 in conference.

Game One

In the first game, the Mustangs showcased their offensive capabilities, highlighted by a decisive four-run fourth inning. The scoring kicked off in the third when Kennedy Daugherty drew a walk, stole second, and scored on Jade Hynek's single, giving Mount Mercy a 1-0 lead. However, Baker responded strongly in the fourth with a three-run rally, including Ava Greiner's two-RBI single and Rachel Pederson's RBI triple, putting the Wildcats ahead 3-1.

Mount Mercy retaliated in the bottom of the fourth, with Ashley Smith's single and subsequent steal setting up runs for As. Smith, Mia Petersen, Abbey Smith, and Lilly Wuethrich, flipping the score to 5-3 in favor of the Mustangs. They then extended their lead in the fifth inning, as Calli Janik's double allowed pinch runner McKenzie Kissell to score on As. Smith's RBI double, followed by runs from Petersen and Ab. Smith due to errors, stretched the lead to 8-3.

Despite Baker's late comeback attempt in the seventh, scoring two runs, Mount Mercy held on to secure the win. As. Smith led the Mustangs with two hits, including a double, two runs scored, and an RBI. Petersen added a hit, run, and stolen base, while Hynek contributed a hit and an RBI. Daugherty chipped in with a hit, run, and two stolen bases.

For Baker, Rachel Pederson had a standout performance, going 4-for-4 with a double, a triple, an RBI, and a run. Greiner drove in two runs and stole a base. Pitcher Jordyn Beck took the loss, allowing 8 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits over 6 innings, while Mount Mercy's Ashley Webb delivered a solid complete game, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits with 3 strikeouts.

Game Two

In the second game of the doubleheader, Mount Mercy fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in a 10-8 defeat. The Wildcats jumped ahead early, with Gracie Gallagher hitting a three-run triple in the first inning to set the score at 3-0. The Mustangs responded with Kendra Mescher's triple and Calli Janik's RBI single, narrowing the gap to 3-1 after the first inning.

Baker extended their lead in the third with Ashlee Jackman's two-run homer, making it 5-1, and added another run in the fourth for a 6-1 advantage. However, Mount Mercy ignited a comeback in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs to surge ahead 8-6. Key contributions came from Mescher, Janik, Ashley Smith, and Mia Petersen, who rallied with hits and walks, aided by a catcher's error.

Baker tied the game in the sixth with Rachel Pederson's triple and Jackman's RBI single. The Wildcats then clinched their victory in the seventh, when Ava Greiner's two-RBI single sealed the score at 10-8.

Kendra Mescher was a standout for Mount Mercy with two hits, including a triple, one RBI, and two runs. Calli Janik had an impressive four-hit game with two RBIs and a run, contributing a double to her stats. Raegan Ware added two hits and an RBI, while Abbey Smith scored once with a hit and an RBI.

On the opposing side, Rachel Pederson excelled with three hits and three runs, and Ashlee Jackman contributed significantly with two hits, including a homer, and three RBIs. Pitcher Maggie McNally took the loss for Mount Mercy, allowing six earned runs on seven hits, while Addie Gralund gave up four earned runs in relief.

Next up, the Mustangs will head to Missouri Valley on Friday, April 3, with the game set for 2 p.m. in Marshall, Missouri.