Fayette, Mo. - Central Methodist split its final two games of a four-game series with William Woods on Monday, rallying for a comeback win in the opener before dropping the nightcap at Estes Field.
With the split, CMU moves to 23-16 overall and 12-8 in conference play, while William Woods sits at 20-17 and 11-9.
Game 1: Central Methodist 7 - William Woods 6
The Eagles erased an early four-run deficit with a decisive middle-inning surge to secure a 7-6 victory in the first game of the day.
William Woods struck early, plating runs in each of the first three innings, including a two-run third to build a 4-0 advantage. Central responded in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by Karlo Aguirre's two-run home run to cut the deficit in half. Later in the inning, Jordan Vazquez delivered a clutch two-run single to even the score at 4-4.
The Eagles carried that momentum into the fifth. Aguirre came through again with an RBI double to give CMU its first lead, and Simon "JJ" Yoakum IV followed with an RBI triple before scoring on a wild pitch to extend the advantage to 7-4.
William Woods attempted a late comeback, scoring once in the sixth and adding a solo home run in the seventh, but CMU held on. Gavin Whitehurst closed the door with a save after Derick Garcia earned the win in relief.
Aguirre led the Eagles offensively, going two-for-three with three RBI, while Yoakum finished a perfect three-for-three with two runs scored and an RBI.
Game 2: William Woods 6 - Central Methodist 3
In the series finale, William Woods capitalized on a big third inning to earn a 6-3 win and salvage a split of the doubleheader.
Central took an early lead on a solo home run from Gavin Whitehurst in the first inning, but William Woods answered in the second before breaking the game open in the third. The Owls scored five runs in the frame, taking advantage of walks and defensive miscues, capped by a three-run home run.
The Eagles showed signs of life with Whitehurst's second home run of the game in the third and a solo shot from Jack Prewett in the fifth, but they were unable to close the gap further.
Despite allowing just three hits, Central Methodist pitchers issued seven walks, which proved costly. Whitehurst was a bright spot both at the plate and on the mound, finishing two-for-three with two home runs and later striking out six in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Up Next:
Central remains at home to host Missouri Baptist for a four-game series beginning Friday, April 17 at Estes Field. First pitch of game one is set for 2:00 p.m.
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