The Master's University baseball team's streak of double-digit performances in the run column came to an end on Friday. But not before the Mustangs made it five straight games with at least 10 runs in the day's opener.
TMU split Friday's double-header against Arizona Christian, winning 10-4 and dropping the second game, 3-2.
Although ACU (5-3) and TMU (5-1) both play in the Golden State Athletic Conference, Friday's games were considered non-conference contests. Both games were seven innings.
Brock Bell went a perfect 6-for-6, helping the Mustangs push their season run total to 67 through six games. For those keeping score at home, that's 11.2 runs per game.
Obviously, that number isn't sustainable over the course of a long season. But TMU head coach Monte Brooks saw plenty on Friday that he hopes the Mustangs will replicate.
"We had exciting hits, good defensive plays and great pitching performances," Brooks said.
TMU broke open Friday's first game with seven runs over the first two innings. Freshman Nolan Inouye drove a ball over the center fielder's head for a two-run triple in the first. And Roy Verdejo doubled an inning later, driving two more Mustangs home.
Tim Compomizzi closed the scoring for TMU in the fourth inning with an RBI single. It was all more than enough for senior Aidan Stout, who put together his longest outing of the season.
The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings of quality work. He struck out four and walked one.
TMU received more of the same on the mound in game two. Freshman Benjamin Johnson made his first collegiate start and limited the Firestorm to three runs over three-plus innings. Miles Henderson, another freshman, came on in relief and kept Arizona Christian off the scoreboard for the final 3 2/3 innings. Henderson allowed two hits, struck out two and walked none.
The Mustangs, however, didn't threaten offensively in the late innings. TMU's final six batters were retired in order.
"We could have had better plate appearances in game two," Brooks said.
TMU will host Arizona Christian again Saturday for a double-header. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. Both games will be nine innings. Spectators will not be admitted, but live video and stats will be provided at GoMustangs.com/Watch.
