Pioneers Split Saturday Doubleheader with MACU, Take 3 of 4 in the Series

PLAINVIEW --- The Wayland Baptist Pioneers split a Saturday doubleheader against Mid-America Christian in Plainview, falling just short in a dramatic comeback in the opener before bouncing back with a strong performance in the nightcap to secure the split.
 
Game 1: Late Rally Falls Short for Pioneers in 8–7 Loss

Wayland Baptist nearly erased a large deficit in the opener but ultimately came up one run short in an 8–7 loss to Mid-America Christian.

Mid-America Christian jumped out early, scoring in the first inning and adding three more runs in the second to take a 4–0 lead. The Evangels continued to build their advantage with runs in the third and fourth innings, pushing the lead to 6–0 before the Pioneers were able to break through offensively.

Wayland finally got on the board in the sixth inning when Kynleigh Kirby delivered an RBI double to bring home Mikayla Carrillo, cutting the deficit to five runs heading into the final frame.

The Pioneers then mounted an impressive rally in the seventh inning. Yaneli Jaramillo opened the inning with a triple before Reagan Davis-Pena drove her in with an RBI single. After a walk and a sacrifice bunt put runners in scoring position, Carrillo launched a grand slam run to center field, bringing Wayland within two runs.

Wayland kept the rally alive as Brooke McLaurin singled and Berkley Bradley followed with an RBI triple, trimming the lead to just one run. However, the comeback ended there as MACU recorded the final out to escape with the win.

Carrillo led the Pioneer offense with a 2-for-4 performance and four RBIs, highlighted by her seventh-inning home run. Bradley also had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and RBI, while Kirby added an RBI double.

In the circle, Brooklyn Ray started the game for Wayland Baptist before Erin Trevino provided 4.1 innings of relief.
 
Game 2: Kirby Leads Wayland to 5–1 Victory

The Pioneers responded in the second game behind a strong pitching performance from Kynleigh Kirby, defeating Mid-America Christian 5–1 to salvage the doubleheader split.

Wayland struck first in the second inning. Berkley Bradley doubled to start the frame and later scored on an RBI single from Mikenzi Carlo. Brianna Cloud followed with an RBI double to give the Pioneers an early 2–0 advantage.

The Pioneers added crucial insurance runs in the fifth inning. After an error and a walk put runners on base, Kirby delivered a bases-clearing double to right field, driving in three runs and extending Wayland's lead to 5–0.

MACU managed a run in the sixth inning, but Kirby kept the Evangels in check throughout the afternoon. The right-hander earned the win after pitching six innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out five.

Offensively, Mikenzi Carlo led the Pioneers with a 3-for-3 performance and an RBI, while Kirby added three RBIs with her key double. Mikayla Carrillo recorded two hits, and Bradley, Cloud, and Reagan Davis-Pena each contributed hits in the victory.

Logan Schultz closed out the game in the seventh inning to secure the win.
 
Up Next

The Pioneers will travel to Waxahachie, Texas for a four-game series against the Lions of Nelson University. The series is set to begin on Friday, March 20^th, with Game One of the doubleheader scheduled to start at 1:00 PM.