The Basics
Score: Evangel 6, Missouri Valley 13 | Box Score
Records: Evangel (14-14, 5-11); Missouri Valley (12-16, 6-8)
Location: Springfield, Mo. | Crusader Field

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Evangel baseball team was unable to overcome a seven-run inning by Missouri Valley Friday falling 13-6 in the first game of the Heart of America Athletic Conference series.

The Crusaders took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Jose Vargas scored from first on a single by Harold Alvarez. Alvarez would score one batter later on a sacrifice fly by Noah Suiter. 

However, the Vikings responded with a seven-run fourth inning behind seven hits and a Crusader error. Evangel would chip away with a run in the bottom of the fourth and a solo home run from Vargas in the seventh, but Missouri Valley continued to score finishing with 13 runs and 17 hits.

Vargas led Evangel going 3 for 4 with three runs and an RBI while Harrison Stevens and Harold Alvarez also added a pair of hits in the loss.

Bret Hoffman was charged with the loss as he was charged with five of the eight runs in 3.1 innings. Austin Dill pitched effectively in relief going 3.1 innings with five strikeouts. 

Collin Irvine pitched 1.1 innings while Keaton Winfrey pitched a hitless ninth for the Crusaders.

Up Next

Evangel and Missouri Valley finish a three-game series Saturday with a double-header starting at 1 p.m.