Sunday sweep sends Mustangs to key GPAC road split

FREMONT, NEB. – Clutch pitching and the long ball allowed Morningside University to hold off host Midland University's attempt for a weekend Great Plains Athletic Conference sweep Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27. 

After the Warriors rallied for a game one decision and took advantage of a seven-run third inning attack Saturday for 6-4 and 10-7 victories, head coach Adam Boeve's crew dug in at Moller Field Sunday. The two victories allowed Boeve to reach the 100-win mark at Morningside.

Sophomore pitcher Quintin Holman (Nebraska City, Neb.) fired his first collegiate complete-game shutout in the opener, spinning seven resplendent frames. He allowed only four hits and no walks, with four strikeouts included. Freshman infielder Jacob O'Dell (Northridge, Calif.) drilled a home run in Mside's final at-bat to break up a scoreless draw.

Game two was highlighted by a two-run round-tripper off the bat of senior outfielder Carter Ades (Sioux Falls, S.D.) in the top of the fourth that brought the visitors back from a 3-2 deficit. The blast was enough for freshman reliever Jackson Stephan. The Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, native blanked Midland on two hits over the last four frames to ensure the triumph. 

Morningside (15-7 overall, 3-5 GPAC) begins a three-game homestand Tuesday, March 29. Game time against North Star Athletic Association member Bellevue University is 2 p.m. at Mercy One Field at Lewis and Clark Park.

NOTES: Holman's career-to-date mound numbers tell a sparkling story. He hasn't been touched for more than three earned runs in any of his 19 appearances. Holman's matinee victory improved his season record to 3-0 and career mark to 6-1, including a minuscule 1.68 earned-run average.