Broncos Swept by Lancers

Hastings, NE – The Hastings College baseball team dropped two more games to Mount Marty 4-2 and 8-5 on a warm Sunday afternoon out on Duncan Field.

The Lancers jumped out to a quick lead in game one scoring three runs in the top of the first inning and eventually led 4-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

This is where the Broncos began to make things interesting as Jaden Stone got things started with a one out walk. Jared Delgado then ripped a double down the line in left to put runners in scoring position. Tyler Kissler got HC on the board with a RBI single to left and then Delgado scored on the sac fly off the bat of Jace Valdez to make it a 4-2 ball game.

The Broncos would threaten again in the seventh with having runners on second and third with one out but a fly out brought Hastings down to its final out. Eli Merritt would draw a walk to load the bases but Tyler Welsh would strikeout ending the threat and the game.

In game two the Broncos would be the team to get off to a fast start picking up three runs due to an errant throw on a bunt attempt. Matt Lucero got things started with a single up the middle followed by a single from Tristan Martinez. Ben Richter laid down a good bunt as the first baseman tried to throw Lucero out at third but instead threw the ball away allowing two runs to score to give HC the 2-1 lead.

Later with two outs, Valdez picked up a big hit to plate Richter as the Broncos now led 3-1. Hastings added to its lead when Kissler doubled to right to bring home Stone for the 4-1 lead.

Markus Miller was pitching an absolute gem into the seventh when he would get into a bit of trouble with two on and just one out. Head Coach Joel Schipper decided to go to the pen and brought in Esteban Acevado. He would get the second out of the inning but the Lancer bats came to life putting up five runs in the inning to take a 7-4 lead before Cooper Gierhan came in and ended the threat.

The Broncos would keep it a game picking up another run in the bottom of the seventh as Delgado started the inning with a double and moved to third on a ground out. He then scored on a ground ball off the bat of Valdez as HC inched closer at 7-5.

After the Lancers picked up a home run in the top of the eighth the Broncos were able to load the bases with three singles but couldn't find the hit to bring home a run as MMU clung onto its 8-5 lead.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, that would be the last threat they had and dropped game two 8-5.

Miller pitched 6.1 innings giving up four runs on eight hits in getting yet another no decision.

Stone led the way at the plate going3-for-5 with a run scored while Valdez led the way with two RBIs.

Hastings is now 12-30 (3-17) on the year and will be back in action Friday Apr. 19 as Dordt comes to town for a doubleheader with first pitch set for 2:00 pm out on Duncan Field.