Walk-Off Magic Seals Doubleheader Sweep for Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University (20-24, 15-11) secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Grand View University (30-13, 18-7) and followed it up with a tense 5–4 win in the second game of their doubleheader on Friday.

Game One

In the first game, Mount Mercy clinched the win with a decisive run scored in the seventh inning. Ashley Webb pitched a complete game shutout, striking out six and allowing seven hits over seven innings. The matchup remained scoreless through the first six innings as both teams' defenses held firm.

In the seventh inning, the Mustangs capitalized on a crucial Vikings error. Ashley Smith reached first base on a throwing error by the pitcher and advanced to second. Abbey Smith then delivered a key hit with a single to left field, bringing As. Smith home for the game's only run. The inning concluded with the Mustangs leading 1–0.

As. Smith recorded a hit and scored a run, contributing to the team's offensive efforts, while Ab. Smith tallied an RBI with her lone hit.

For the Vikings, Elle Nelson made a notable contribution with two hits, and Madeline Waldorf excelled on the mound, pitching a complete game. She allowed only two hits, struck out nine batters, and did not give up any earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. Ceara Swanson also contributed with one hit and a defensive play preventing a stolen base attempt.

Webb delivered a complete game shutout, improving her record to 10-12. For the Vikings, Waldorf pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 9 batters, resulting in a loss that dropped her record to 14-5. Both pitchers showcased strong performances, with Webb's shutout and Waldorf's high strikeout count highlighting their outings.

Game Two

In the second game, Mount Mercy narrowly defeated Grand View University 5–4, overcoming the Vikings' 10-hit effort. The Vikings took an early lead with Alexia Jarrett's 2-RBI single, scoring Nevaeh Randall and Grace Anderson. The Mustangs responded as Jade Hynek scored, unearned, on a fielding error. Abbey Smith then delivered a 2-RBI single, bringing home Calli Janik and Ashley Smith, concluding the inning with the Mustangs leading 3–2.

Both teams added one run in the second inning, with Anderson's RBI single for the Vikings matched by Kennedy Daugherty scoring off an As. Smith single, leaving the Mustangs ahead 4–3. The Vikings tied the game in the fifth inning with Jarrett's solo home run, leveling the score at 4–4.

The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Mia Petersen's RBI single allowed Kendra Mescher to score, giving the Mustangs a 5–4 lead. The Vikings were unable to respond, securing the win for the Mustangs.

As. Smith contributed offensively with two hits and one RBI, while Ab. Smith tallied two RBIs. Petersen added two hits, one RBI, and a stolen base. Jarrett made a significant impact for the Vikings with her home run and three RBIs, along with a stolen base. Anderson showcased her speed with two stolen bases and collected two hits with an RBI. Chloe Kottlowski led the team in hits with three.

Hahn led the Mustangs' pitching effort with a complete game, allowing 10 hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out two. This performance secured her third win of the season.

For the Vikings, Macy Blomgren pitched 4 2/3 innings in relief, surrendering one earned run on four hits with three strikeouts. Molly Breeding took the loss for the Vikings, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk over 1 2/3 innings. Claire Leinen started for the Vikings but struggled, recording just one out while giving up three runs on two hits and one walk.

The Mustangs now hold a record of 20-24 overall and 15-11 in conference play. The Vikings have achieved a record of 30-14 and are 18-8 in conference play.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will travel to William Penn on Saturday, April 25, at 1 and 3 p.m. in Oskaloosa, Iowa.