Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Baseball program split its opening two games of the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round Tuesday at Estes Field. 

Central started the day out with a 3-1 loss to Kansas Wesleyan before bouncing back with a convincing 14-2 win over St. Francis. 

Against the Coyotes, graduate pitcher Alan West tossed a complete game, giving up just three earned runs on four hits with a walk while striking out 14 batters. Senior shortstop Robbie Merced batted a perfect three-for-three at the plate and also swiped two bags. 

Central was held to just one run on five hits. 

CMU moved to the elimination bracket where they would square off against St. Francis (Ill.) in the nightcap. Central's offense came alive, scoring 14 runs on 14 hits including five for extra bases, all of which were home runs. 

Tanner Sears led the Eagle offense with three hits in six at-bats, which included a three-run home run in the ninth inning. Jeremy Conforti batted three-of-six with a solo home run in the fourth. 

Khalil Thrasher picked up a two-run home run in the second inning, and also hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth. In addition, both West and Merced homered for the Eagles. 

Sebastian Escobar pitched eight complete innings, giving up just two earned runs on 10 hits with two walks. He also struck out 10 batters en-route to his ninth win of the year. 

Alexander Billo came in relief for the final inning, striking out one. 

Central looks to keep its season alive in another elimination game against Madonna, Wednesday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Estes Field. 

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