Baseball Closes Series Against Lancers with 9-4 Victory
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team (13-8, 7-5 CL) wrapped up its four-game series against the Grace College Lancers (12-12, 4-8 CL) at Cougar Field on Saturday, March 14.
The Lancers scored the first run in the fourth inning and then exploded for five runs in the top of the fifth to claim a 6-0 lead. The Cougars battled back, matching Grace with five runs of their own to cut the deficit to one. Ryan Willoughby ignited the big inning with a two-run single to left that would score Carter LaPata and Kevin Inman. Kaid Carpenter then brought home Willoughby and Rider Minnick with a double to left field. Carpenter capped the scoring in the inning off for MVNU after he crossed home plate due to a wild pitch. Grace answered MVNU's scoring spurt with a run in the top of the eighth, taking a 7-5 lead. In the bottom of the frame, Minnick tied the game with his single to right field, scoring Andrew Hobbs and Alejandro Delgado. The Lancers reclaimed the lead with two runs in the ninth, taking a 9-7 advantage. MVNU could not generate a comeback as it went down in order at the plate. MVNU fell 7-9 in the third game of the series.
In the final game of the series, MVNU flipped the script on the Lancers. Carpenter set the tone early with a triple that allowed Lester and LaPata to score, giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead. MVNU then scored six runs in the next inning, giving it complete control. MVNU led 9-1 heading into the sixth inning and would go on to win by a final of 9-4. Ryan Willoughby got the win on the mound and pitched a gem, allowing just one earned run. Willoughby gave up seven hits and had two strikeouts.
What's Next
MVNU will host No. 3 Taylor University on Friday, March 20. First pitch of that doubleheader is at 1:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.
