Fayette, Mo. - The No. 12 Central Methodist baseball team split the opening two games of a four-game series against Park University Friday afternoon in Parkville, Mo. 

The Eagles fell in the first game by a score of 2-0, before bouncing back for an 8-4 victory in game two. Central now stands at 33-11 and 18-8 in conference play, while the Pirates are now 21-17 and 12-14 in the Heart. 

The first three innings of game one were a scoreless affair before Park plated two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Central was only able to collect one hit through the final three innings of play, as Park went on to earn the 2-0 shut out victory. 

Senior ace Nick Merkel tossed a complete game, giving up only two earned runs on five hits with seven strikeouts. Kyle Barnett of Park was masterful on the bump, as he threw a complete game shut out with seven K's in the victory. 

Tied at 2-2 in the second inning of game two, the Eagles used a five run third to jump out in front, 7-2. The inning was highlighted by RBI singles from Cole Luedeking and Logan McDonald. In addition, Khalil Thrasher doubled to left center to plate both Jeff Vance and Luedeking. 

The Pirates trimmed the lead to three in the fifth inning on three hits and and error. Central's final run of the game came via a solo home run from Grant Victor, his third of the year. 

Four different Eagles put together multi hit games including Bobby Nichols, Luedeking, Vance, and McDonald. McDonald also recorded a stolen base while Victor, Thrasher and McDonald all drove in two runners apiece. 

Beau Atkins earned his seventh win of the year, throwing a complete game. The senior gave up four earned runs on four hits with two walks and matching his season-high 11 strikeouts. He remains undefeated on the bump in 2022. 

Central will conclude the series against the Pirates Saturday, April 23 beginning at 10:00 a.m. 

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