Cougars Drop Sunshine State Finale Against Vikings

AUBURNDALE, Fla. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team (13-3, 3-1 CL) wrapped up its Florida trip with a single matchup against the Valley City State University Vikings (7-7) on Tuesday, March 4, at the Lake Myrtle Park Complex.

MVNU took an early lead in the first inning from a Grant Wheeler solo home run to right field, putting it up 1-0. Valley City State responded in the third with an RBI single to left, bringing in two runs to take a 2-1 lead. A double to center extended the Vikings lead, driving in another run for a 3-1 edge.

In the fourth, MVNU cut into the deficit when a groundout into a double play allowed a run to score, making it 3-2. The Cougars tied the game in the sixth with an RBI single from Alejandro Delgado that scored Ryan Willoughby. Later in the inning, Wheeler had a sacrifice groundout that pushed MVNU ahead 4-3 after Carter LaPata crossed the plate.

Valley City State answered back in the bottom of the sixth. A hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded forced in a run to tie it at 4-4. An RBI groundout to shortstop allowed another run to score, giving Valley City State a 5-4 lead. The Vikings then hit a double to right that brought in two more runs, sealing the 7-4 win.

What's Next:

The Cougars will return home to host Crossroads League opponent, the University of Saint Francis, for a pair of doubleheaders on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8. Friday's opener is set for 1:00 p.m. at Cougar Baseball Field in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.