Baseball | 2/12/2024 3:05:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3     ELIZABETH CITY, NC -- MACU baseball had its home opening series of the season this past weekend again Bob Jones University. Game 1 started a bit rocky on the mound but Ethan Sheppard came in and tossed 5 innings in relief to help pave the way for the Mustangs to be victorious. It was an up and down affair during game 1 as Bob Jones is a great hitting team and did not want to back down in the fight. Ultimately in the bottom of the 6th inning the Mustangs bats came to life and they rallied for a 6 run innings allowing Jalyn Lee to come in for a 3 inning relief/save situation and he shut the door for the Mustangs victory in game 1.
    Game 2 stared off the Mustangs way, Dalon Arrington came out throwing a gem, tossing 6.1 innings pitched and only allowing 2 earned runs in his outing. The Mustangs offense continued its offensive power as they tallied for 12 hits and 7 runs in the affair. But, these hits came late as the Mustangs were tied 5-5 in the bottom on the 7th inning when the bats came out swinging. RJ Cabrera led off with a single to right, followed by an infield single by Travis Snell and this all led up to the walk off home run performance of Jalyn Lee for his second home run on the day in back to back innings earning the Mustangs the win 7-5.
    Game 3 was not going to let down in the excitement category as it was pushed all the way into the bottom of the 11th inning for the final result. Bob Jones came out early in the top of the first taking the lead but the Mustangs rallied back and never looked back as they set their eyes on the series sweep of Bob Jones. This game had its fair share of ups and downs on the scoreboard and as we ended the 7th tied up and sending us to extras. In the top of the 8th, BJU hit a towering home run to give them the lead 10-8 but as we have heard before the Mustangs did not quit, with the top of our lineup coming up Travis Snell lead off with a walk and Jalyn Lee hit his fourth home run of the series tying the game up 10-10. Sean Henry came in and buckled down for 2 shutout innings of baseball to secure his first win of the season and the Mustangs sweep on the weekend.
    Coach Krehel commented on the weekend saying, "This team has the bulldog mentality that every coach wants and strives to have. They have never given up in ANY of the games that we have played and they all have each others back no matter the good or the bad. We have had some bad pitching outings this season and before the pitcher can cross the chalk line entering foul territory the team is there to pick him up and let him know they have his back. Dugout guys and everyday starters alike have the same attitude towards the game being played. Love to see this as a coach and love the team morale. This teams offense has shown they have the ability to compete in any situation and as long as they keep believing in themselves and trusting one another on the field that they can provide the results they will have a very successful season."
    The Mustangs look to continue their positive momentum as they travel to Carolina University this weekend. Keep up the great work Mustangs!