PHOENIX, AZ - Game 1: Madonna Baseball picked up a pair of wins on March 6, sweeping a doubleheader against Nelson University (AZ) at Cortez High School. The Crusaders' offense powered the day, combining for 29 runs and 30 hits across the two games as Madonna improved its record with an impressive showing at the plate.
Madonna secured a thrilling 18-14 victory in Game 1 before finishing the sweep with a convincing 11-4 win in Game 2.
The Crusaders opened the scoring in Game 1 when
Ty Stepek reached base and later came home on a sacrifice fly from
Aamir Mitchell. Madonna added another run in the third inning, but Nelson responded with a six-run inning to take the lead.
Madonna quickly answered in the fourth when
Carson Noon launched a three-run home run to center field, tying the game and shifting momentum back toward the Crusaders. The offensive battle continued throughout the middle innings as
Donovan Thompson added a solo home run in the fifth, and
Chase Gabel delivered a two-RBI single in the sixth to help Madonna regain the lead.
Nelson pushed back late and eventually took a one-run lead heading into the ninth inning. The Crusaders responded in dramatic fashion. After loading the bases, Kooper Ethridge was hit by a pitch to bring home the tying run. Moments later, Mitchell delivered the biggest swing of the game with a grand slam to left field as part of a six-run ninth inning that sealed the victory for Madonna.
Mitchell had a standout performance at the plate, finishing with three hits, two home runs, and seven RBIs. Thompson also had a huge day offensively with four hits and two home runs, while Noon added a three-run homer of his own.
David Zilch earned the win in relief for the Crusaders.
Game 2:
Madonna carried its momentum into the second game of the doubleheader, jumping out to an early lead in the first inning. Stepek got the scoring started with a solo home run to center field, and the Crusaders soon added another run to take a quick 2-0 lead.
The Crusaders broke the game open in the third inning when
Jason Serafinchon blasted a three-run home run to extend the advantage. Mitchell continued his impressive day at the plate with a two-run home run in the fourth inning, giving Madonna a comfortable lead.
Madonna continued to add insurance runs as the game went on. In the seventh inning, Noon delivered a two-RBI single that helped stretch the lead to double digits and put the game out of reach.
On the mound,
Alex Duley turned in a strong performance for the Crusaders. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six batters to earn the win. Madonna's bullpen combined to close out the game as the Crusaders secured the 11-4 victory and completed the doubleheader sweep.
Mitchell led the offense again in Game 2 with four hits and three runs scored, while Stepek, Serafinchon, and Noon each contributed key RBIs as Madonna finished the day with another 15-hit performance.
The Crusaders will face Nelson University once more on Saturday at 12:00 PM MST / 2:00 PM EST.
