Mustangs split series with Firestorm

A seven-inning, complete game gem from Spencer Long in game two of Saturday's doubleheader earned TMU Baseball a series split with visiting Arizona Christian University to open up Golden State Athletic Conference play.
 
The right hander struck out five and only allowed one run in a 2-1 Mustang victory, after the Firestorm won the first game on Saturday 6-4. The two teams also split Friday's doubleheader.
 
"We played an excellent team this weekend. They are very talented at every position and in every element," Master's Head Coach Monte Brooks said, calling it a victory "to split with a team that's going to be highly ranked and has had a really good schedule like we have had."
 
After ACU scored in the top of the first inning, Long recorded the next 21 outs without allowing another run.
 
Cason Brownell tied the game in the bottom of the third with a sacrifice fly to center that scored Brayden Luft.
 
Then after Corny Miller's triple to left center with one out in the bottom of the sixth, Evan Banks drove in the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly of his own to deep left field.
 
In the first game, the Firestorm scored three runs in both the first and seventh innings, which proved to be the difference.
 
Master's got two back in the bottom of the first, with RBI-singles from Banks and Will Batz bringing the Mustangs to within one.
 
TMU then tied it in the bottom of the fifth on Austin Young's run-scoring base hit, before ACU regained the lead in the top of the seventh. A second RBI-single from Banks got one back, but the Firestorm held on for the win.
 
Master's (12-5 overall, 2-2 GSAC) continues its GSAC season next weekend when the Mustangs travel to Santa Barbara to take on Westmont College.
 
"I really enjoy the work ethic and enthusiasm on our team, which was especially evident this weekend," Brooks said.