STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Mid-America Christian with a final score of 5-3 on Tuesday, Feb. 10 in Sterling’s home opener. Sterling managed to tally six hits and three runs, while Mid-America Christian capitalized on two home runs to secure the win.
In the opening inning, the Evangels took an early lead when Nick Hill hit a solo home run to left field, putting them ahead 1-0. Sterling’s Matthew Garcia and teammates failed to respond, going down in order, leaving the Evangels up 1-0 after the first inning.
In the second inning, Sterling capitalized on a defensive miscue by Mid-America. Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas was hit by a pitch and later scored when the ball was mishandled, tying the game at 1-1. The Evangels were unable to add to their tally, leaving the score tied 1-1 after two innings.
The third inning saw the Evangels regain the lead. A throwing error allowed Jalen King to score, making it 2-1. Sterling responded in the bottom half, highlighted by Jackson Harding‘s RBI single, which brought M. Garcia home, leveling the score at 2-2 after three innings.
Mid-America edged ahead in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Jahzeel Groetelae, making it 3-2. Despite a walk for Nehemiah House, Sterling was unable to score, leaving the Evangels ahead 3-2 after the fourth inning.
In the sixth inning, Mid-America added two runs to their lead. Tuane Cope scored on a walk, and Dyson Kinnaman came in on a sacrifice fly, extending their advantage to 5-2. Sterling managed two hits in their half but could not bring any runs across, keeping the score at 5-2 in favor of the Evangels through six innings.
The ninth inning saw Sterling attempt a late rally. Ezavien Campos scored on Mateo Castro‘s RBI single, narrowing the deficit to 5-3. However, Sterling left the bases loaded, and Mid-America held on for a 5-3 victory.
Landon Snyder started on the mound for Sterling, pitching 1 inning, allowing two hits, including a home run, and striking out two batters. Zachary “Ty” Johnston followed with a scoreless inning, despite issuing two walks, while recording a strikeout and allowing no hits. Caleb Clark then pitched 1 inning, conceding one earned run on two hits. Cameron Fisk also gave up one earned run in his inning of work, surrendering a home run among the five batters faced. Aaron Elsasser and Stephen Ferguson each pitched an inning, with Ferguson allowing two earned runs on one hit and two walks. Cooper Lovelace, Jack Trent, and Eric Villa combined for 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing no hits and striking out none, while Jordan Ramsey closed with a hitless frame, striking out one.
Chuck Lang posted two hits, including a double, and drew a walk. Harding recorded two hits and an RBI, while also drawing a walk in the game. Campos contributed with a hit, a run scored, an RBI, and added five assists in the field. Castro delivered a hit and an RBI, finishing with two strikeouts.
The Warriors (3-6) will open up conference play this weekend in a three game series against York (1-5). Due to weather, game times are subject to change.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
