Embry-Riddle returned to Eagle Baseball Field after being on the road the last two weeks and lost two games to Morningside University as the Mustangs took the first 10-8 and won the second game 16-6 on Saturday afternoon.  

Game 1

Game Highlights:

• Early Lead: Embry-Riddle started strong, scoring in the first inning with Kaleb Shannon singling to left field and later scoring on a single by Roberto Garza-Nunez.
• Back-and-Forth Battle: The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. Morningside's S. Wilt hit a solo home run in the second inning, while Embry-Riddle responded with two runs in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on an error by Morningside's left fielder.
• Big Inning for Morningside: The Mustangs had a breakthrough in the fourth inning, scoring five runs, highlighted by a grand slam from C. Maston. This inning proved to be pivotal, giving Morningside a lead they would not relinquish.
• Eagles' Resilience: Embry-Riddle continued to fight back, scoring two runs in the fifth inning and another in the sixth. Konner Nelson's two-run double in the fifth was a key moment, bringing the Eagles closer.
• Final Push: Despite a late rally, including a run in the sixth inning, the Eagles were unable to overcome the deficit. Morningside's pitching held firm in the final inning, securing the win.

Key Performances:

• Nelson: Nelson was a standout for the Eagles, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a double. His performance at the plate was instrumental in keeping Embry-Riddle in the game.
• Garza-Nunez Garza-Nun contributed with a crucial RBI single in the first inning, setting the tone for the Eagles' offense.

Pitching:

• Embry-Riddle: Starting pitcher Jesse Kaphing struggled, allowing seven runs over four innings. Relievers Jonah Montes and Kyle Riley provided some stability, but the damage had been done.

Game 2

Game Highlights:

• Early Lead for Morningside: The Mustangs jumped to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. Embry-Riddle responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first, thanks to a single by Owen Cain and a walk by Garza-Nunez followed by a clutch RBI single from James Warren and another RBI single from Blake Moore.
• Morningside's Offensive Surge: Morningside's offense was relentless, scoring in every inning except the second. They tallied three runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from L. Blackmon. The Mustangs continued to pile on runs, including a five-run fifth inning that put the game out of reach.
• Embry-Riddle's Fifth Inning Rally: The Eagles showed resilience in the fifth inning, scoring four runs. Cain hit a three-run homer, and Garza-Nunez followed with a solo shot, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
• Pitching Struggles: Embry-Riddle's pitchers had a tough day on the mound. Eric Schumann started the game, allowing six runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings. The bullpen struggled to contain Morningside's hitters, with Trent Ihle and Alexander Mullen combining to allow ten runs in relief.

Key Performances:

• Embry-Riddle:

  • O. Cain: 2-for-3, 3 RBIs, 1 HR
  • R. Garza-Nun: 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 HR
  • J. Warren: 1-for-2, 1 RBI
  • B. Moore: 1-for-3, 1 RBI

Embry-Riddle and Morningside will meet for another double header at Eagle Baseball Field on Sunday with the first game scheduled for 11:00am.