Marshall, Mo. — The Central Methodist baseball program opened its four-game weekend series in dominant fashion Saturday, sweeping the first two games from Missouri Valley College. The Eagles claimed a 4-2 victory in the opener before erupting offensively in an 11-1 win in Game 2.

With the two wins, Central improves to 18-11 overall and 7-3 in conference play. Missouri Valley drops to 2-26 and 2-8 in the Heart of America.

Game 1: Central Methodist 4 - Missouri Valley 2

After surrendering two runs in the bottom of the first inning, Central responded with four unanswered runs to secure the comeback win.

The Eagles tied the game in the second inning on RBI singles from Dawson Foster and Ryan Malzahn. They took the lead in the third when Landon McKillip delivered an RBI double to score Justin Smith. An insurance run came in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Zeb Wede, plating Dariel Rios.

Malzahn paced the offense, going two-for-three with an RBI, while Foster added a hit and RBI. McKillip also contributed with a double and RBI.

On the mound, Westin Walls turned in a complete-game performance, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking one over seven innings to earn the win.

Game 2: Central Methodist 11 - Missouri Valley 1

The Eagles' offense exploded in the second game, racking up 17 hits and scoring in five different innings to secure the double-digit victory.

Malzahn led the charge with a monster performance, going three-for-five with three home runs and five RBI. He homered in the first, third, and fourth innings to break the game open.

Central Methodist put the game out of reach with a four-run third inning and another four-run fourth. Justin Smith added two hits and two RBI, including a run-scoring double, while Rios went four-for-five with two runs scored.

On the mound, Chase Schnieders earned the win, allowing one run over six innings while striking out five. Brayden Lester closed out the game with a perfect seventh inning, striking out all three batters he faced.

Up Next:

The Eagles and Vikings will conclude the four-game series with another doubleheader on Sunday in Marshall. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.

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