Mustangs Take Down No. 18 Central Methodist Twice in Fayette

FAYETTE, Mo. — Mount Mercy (14-20, 9-7) secured two thrilling victories against No. 18-ranked Central Methodist (MO) (25-12, 11-5) in a doubleheader on Saturday, winning 4–3 in the first game and edging out a 6–5 victory in the second.

GAME ONE

In the first game, Mount Mercy faced a tough challenge as Central Methodist took an early lead with a two-run homer by Maddie Holly in the first inning, putting the score at 2–0. The Mustangs responded in the third inning when Kennedy Daugherty doubled, advanced to third on Jade Hynek's single, and stole home, closing the gap to 2–1.

Central Methodist extended its lead in the sixth inning with Kinlei Boley's solo home run, bringing the score to 3–1. However, Mount Mercy showcased resilience in the seventh inning. With two outs, Hynek and Kendra Mescher both singled, setting up Calli Janik's game-winning three-run homer to center field, giving the Mustangs a 4–3 lead. The defense held strong in the bottom of the seventh to secure the comeback victory.

Hynek led Mount Mercy with three hits and one run scored. Janik's performance was highlighted by her home run and three RBIs, while Ashley Smith contributed with two hits and a stolen base.

For Central Methodist, Holly had a prominent role with a home run and two RBIs, and Boley added a home run and one RBI.

On the mound, Webb pitched a complete game for the Mustangs, allowing eight hits and three earned runs over 7 innings with three strikeouts. The Eagles' Haley Cotter took the loss, surrendering four runs on eight hits.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy continued their offensive prowess, matching Central Methodist with 12 hits but capitalizing on timely hitting to secure a 6–5 victory. The Eagles struck first with an RBI single by Emma King in the first inning, leading 1-0. The Mustangs equalized in the second inning with Ashley Smith's single and an RBI hit by Abbey Smith to tie the game at 1–1.

Mount Mercy then surged ahead in the third inning with a three-run effort, highlighted by Daugherty's double and a two-RBI single from Mescher, making it 4–1. Central Methodist responded with a sacrifice fly from King to narrow the score to 4–2.

The Mustangs extended their lead to 5–2 in the fourth inning with Daugherty scoring on a single by Hynek. The fifth inning saw no scoring, but in the sixth, Hynek hit an RBI double, making it 6–3. Central Methodist rallied in the final inning with a two-RBI single by King, narrowing the score to 6–5, but Mount Mercy maintained their lead to secure the win.

Hynek led the Mustangs again with three hits and two RBIs, while Daugherty excelled with three hits, scoring three runs and stealing two bases. Mescher drove in two runs, contributing to the offensive success. King was a standout for the Eagles, with three hits and four RBIs, supported by Elizabeth Palumbo, who scored two runs on two hits.

On the mound, McNally pitched a complete game for the Mustangs, allowing 5 earned runs on 12 hits, while Barnum took the loss for the Eagles.

With these victories, Mount Mercy improved their record to 14-20 and 9-7 in the conference. Central Methodist now stands at 25-12 with an 11-5 conference record.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face Culver-Stockton on Sunday, April 12, at 1 p.m. in Canton, Missouri.