The Basics

Game 1: Evangel 7, Missouri Valley 4

Game 2: Evangel 5, Missouri Valley 4

Records: Evangel (27-23, 14-16 Heart); Missouri Valley (16-31, 6-22 Heart)

Location: Springfield, Mo. – Crusader Field

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A walk-off win in game two helped the Evangel baseball team to a four-game sweep of Missouri Valley Monday afternoon, 5-4 after a 7-4 win in game one of a Heart of America double-header.

Evangel finished the sweep after rallying back to defeat the Vikings in the bottom of the seventh. Tanner McVey drove a ball deep to center field as the Missouri Valley center fielder's diving attempt came up short. McVey drove home John Cates and Austin Alfrey to finish the win.

The inning started with a single by Jordan Kirkpatrick and a bunt single from Zach Elledge. Cates re-entered to run for Elledge who pinch-hit and moved to second after Alfrey reached on a fielder's choice. With two outs, Missouri Valley intentional walked Dustin Hargus to load the bases as McVey delivered his third hit of the game to finish with three RBIs.

McVey also homered in the second inning as Alfrey and Jose Vargas each finished with two hits. Vargas was 2-for-3 with a triple and a RBI.

Brad Potts won his fourth game as he scattered nine hits and struck out five. The game remained close with four Evangel errors as only two of the Vikings' runs were charged to Potts who did not issue a walk in the complete game win.

In game one, Evangel belted 11 hits and scored seven runs to knock off Missouri Valley, 7-4. Dustin Hargus finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run and a double.

Stevin Cisneros and Ryan Frye also added two hits each for Evangel.

Dustin Eby earned his sixth win of the season as he walked just one and struck out seven in 6.1 innings pitched. Deric Link entered after Missouri Valley scored two in the top of the seventh to hold the Vikings and earn the save.

The wins along with a loss by Baker on Sunday clinched a berth for the Crusaders in next week's Heart Tournament. Seeding continues as games around the conference concluded this weekend.

UP NEXT
Evangel heads north to finish the regular season on Saturday at William Penn. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

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