Mustangs Secure Series Sweep as Nagelbach and Turgasen Throw Complete Games

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (14-8, 4-0) continued their strong performance in conference play with a tight 3–2 win over Peru State (4-20, 0-4) followed by a commanding 10–1 victory in the second game of their doubleheader on Saturday.

In the first game, the Mustangs' pitching staff held Peru State to just five hits over seven innings, striking out seven to secure the win. Mount Mercy took an early lead when Derek Einertson doubled to left center in the first inning, then scored on a groundout by Christian Graves, putting the Mustangs up 1-0. In the third inning, Drew Terpins hit a double to center field and advanced to third on a steal. Chase Gerwig walked and also stole a base, positioning runners for Kade Knock, whose groundout allowed Terpins to score, extending the lead to 2-0.

Peru State answered in the fourth, tying the game at 2-2. Wrigley Strong scored on a sacrifice fly by Jomar Perez, and Doel Pina's single drove in another run. The Mustangs regained the lead in the fifth when Gerwig singled up the middle, stole second, and scored on a single to right field by Einertson, who benefited from a throwing error, pushing Mount Mercy ahead 3-2. The game ended with the Mustangs holding their 3–2 lead, as Tyler Nagelbach pitched a complete game, allowing just two earned runs over seven innings. The final score read Mount Mercy 3, Peru State 2.

Einertson had two hits, including a double, and one RBI, contributing significantly to the team's offense. Nagelbach's complete game featured seven strikeouts and only two earned runs, demonstrating his command on the mound. Gerwig reached base twice, with a hit and a walk, and stole two bases. Terpins added a double and scored a run.

Strong led Peru State, going 2-for-2 at the plate with a double and a hit-by-pitch, maintaining a perfect on-base percentage. Tyson Fancher added an important RBI single. On the mound, Dylan Pavletich pitched a complete game, allowing three earned runs over six innings with two strikeouts.

In the second game, Mount Mercy built on their momentum, securing a 10–1 victory. The Mustangs capitalized on seven walks and six stolen bases, breaking the game open with a six-run sixth inning. Mount Mercy started strong in the first inning when Kade Knock walked, stole second base, and scored on a single by Christian Graves, putting them up 1–0.

In the second inning, the Mustangs extended their lead. After Nick Meyer walked, Tommy Taylor entered as a pinch runner and scored on a single by Drew Terpins, who later crossed the plate on a wild pitch. Derek Einertson also scored on another wild pitch, giving them a 4–0 lead. The sixth inning saw Mount Mercy's offense explode; DJ Harris was hit by a pitch, followed by singles from Terpins and Chase Gerwig, with Gerwig's hit bringing in Harris. Knock walked to force in another run, and Graves doubled, driving in two more runs, followed by two unearned runs due to an error, pushing the lead to 10–1.

Knock recorded two stolen bases and scored twice, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Graves delivered with two hits and three RBIs, including a double with the bases loaded. Terpins added two hits, drove in a run, and crossed the plate twice. Jonathan Gutierrez made an impact in his lone game, recording a hit despite striking out twice.

Turgasen led the Mustangs with a complete game victory, pitching 7 innings and allowing only 1 earned run on 4 hits while striking out 4. Korte started for Peru State but took the loss after giving up 4 earned runs over 4 innings, despite recording 8 strikeouts. Lucas John pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief for Peru State, surrendering 3 earned runs on 2 hits, while JT Druba struggled in his brief 1/3 inning appearance, allowing 3 runs, though only 1 was earned.

Mount Mercy stands at 14-8 and is 4-0 in conference play, while Peru State holds a 4-21 record and is 0-4 in the conference. The Mustangs are set to face Culver-Stockton at 1 p.m. CT Saturday, March 21, in Canton, Missouri.