Late Rally Not Enough as Mustangs Fall on Walk-Off Hit

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (20-27, 15-13) fell to Central Methodist (MO) (35-15, 20-8) in a close 6–5 contest on Thursday. The Mustangs rallied with a five-run seventh inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Eagles' lead.

Mount Mercy faced Central Methodist in a closely contested game. The Eagles took an early lead in the first inning with a solo home run by Kaysie Jolley, followed by another home run by Elizabeth Palumbo, making the score 2-0 in favor of Central Methodist after one inning.

In the sixth inning, Central Methodist extended its lead. Madison Roberts doubled to left center, driving in Teri Williams. Kinlei Boley then singled to right field, bringing home Roberts, which increased the Eagles' lead to 4–0 by the end of the sixth inning.

Mount Mercy mounted a dramatic comeback attempt in the seventh inning. Ashley Smith started with a single up the middle. Mia Petersen and Lilly Wuethrich also singled, loading the bases. The rally was fueled by a fielding error, allowing Abbey Smith to score.

Jade Hynek walked, scoring Petersen. Kendra Mescher singled, scoring Wuethrich, and Calli Janik delivered a crucial single up the middle, bringing in two more runs. The Mustangs scored five runs in total during the inning, taking a 5–4 lead.

However, Central Methodist responded in the bottom of the seventh. Maddie Holly hit a single to right field, bringing in two runs and securing a walk-off victory for the Eagles. The final score was Central Methodist 6, Mount Mercy 5.

Janik led the offense for the Mustangs with three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Mescher added a hit and contributed one RBI to the team's effort.

For the Eagles, Jolley made a significant impact with a home run and an RBI, contributing to the team's success at the plate. Palumbo also demonstrated power hitting by delivering a home run, collecting two hits, and driving in a run while drawing a walk. Holly played a crucial role in driving in two runs, adding a hit to her performance, and effectively contributing behind the plate.

Ashley Webb pitched 6 1/3 innings for Mount Mercy, allowing 10 hits and 6 earned runs while striking out 5 batters. Despite her efforts and completing the game, she was tagged with the loss.

For Central Methodist, Barnum delivered 6 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run, giving up 6 hits and issuing only 1 walk. Cotter contributed 2/3 of an inning in relief, allowing 2 runs but securing the win.

The Mustangs hold a record of 20-27 with a conference record of 15-13. The Eagles stand at 35-15 overall and have a conference record of 20-8.

The Mustangs will look to play William Woods in the consolation bracket on Friday, May 1, at 9:30 AM at Busse Field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.