Sterling narrowly defeated by ranked Mid-America Christian

The Sterling College took on #17 ranked Mid-America Christian University in a nonconference match up on Monday, March 17. Although the Warriors fought hard, the Evangels came out on top with a 9-6 victory.

Sterling was the first to score the bottom of the first inning with a single from Austin Santiago to bring home Luis Morales.

Mid-America answered back quickly with five runs in the top of the second.

The Warriors found some momentum in the bottom of the fourth with a single through the left side from Nate Heffline to bring Jason Smith around the bags. Morales followed suit with a sacrifice fly out to fight field which brought home James Easter and Dutro singled up the middle bringing Heffline home to make the score 5-4.

The Evangels were able to stretch their lead with a one-run homer from Carlos Medina in the top of the fifth and Sterling answered with a sacrifice fly from Landon Volner to bring in Santiago and keep it a one run game with Mid-America up 6-5.

The sixth inning was similar, with Mid-America Christian pulling out a run in the top of the inning and the Warriors responding with a run of their own in the bottom of the sixth with a double from Dutro making the score 7-6 in favor of

However, the Warriors were unable to get anything going in the final three innings and the Evangel took advantage of a single to center field in the top of the seventh and a home run in the top of the ninth to seal the deal with a 9-6 win.

Jackson Califono got things started from the mound for the Warriors. He faced 23 batters through four innings, pitching 43 strikes on 85 pitches, surrendering four hits which resulted in five runs, while walking four batters and striking out five.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.