GREAT BEND, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) — The McPherson College Bulldogs are advancing to the next round of the KCAC Tournament, following a 5-1 win over fourth-seeded Ottawa University at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend, Kan.
“Good start to the tournament,” head coach Chris Dawson said. “Now we just have to build on it and try to maintain this momentum. Winning game one is always the most important.”
MC scored five runs on 12 hits, led by Evan Morrison, Dawson Walters, and Colin Evers who each had two hits. Evers drove in two runs, while Morrison, Walters, and Castillo had one RBI apiece.
The Braves scored first in the bottom of the fourth after an RBI single by Blaine Thomas brought home Cole Broughton, but that would be all that the Braves offense could muster thanks to a pitching gem from the staff.
Hayden Casey was excellent on the mound for the Bulldogs, throwing six innings while allowing just three hits and one run.
MC answered in the top half of the fifth inning with three runs after Kainoa Torres singled to lead off the inning. Courtesy runner Ky’rell Taylor stole second then came around to score on an RBI single up the middle by Morrison to knot the score.
Another RBI single by Walters drove Morrison in then the Bulldogs added on more on a sacrifice fly by Evers to cap the three-run inning.
Back-to-back run-scoring singles by Evers and Kevinn Castillo helped the Bulldogs add to their lead in the top of the seventh, doing it with two outs.
“Turning point of the game was the bottom of the sixth. Casey gets two guys on then goes 1-2-3 to get out of it. Then we scored two runs with two outs in the top of the seventh.”
Ethan Alexander came on in relief of Casey in the bottom of the seventh and threw two hitless innings with one strikeout to keep the lead with three outs remaining.
In the ninth, the Bulldogs turned to Broc Selstrom, who struck out two of the five batters he faced to give MC the win.
MC advances to the second round Friday (May 3), and will square off against the winner of the nightcap between top-seeded Kansas Wesleyan and eight-seeded Evangel. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
