MVNU (12-2), which received votes in the latest NAIA poll, took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning of the first game against Grace when senior second baseman Josh Estep doubled in a run and another run came around to score on an error.

The lead grew to 5-0 in the top of the second inning on a sacrifice fly by freshman shortstop Clint Yoder and a two-out, two-run single by sophomore outfielder Steve Williams to centerfield.

Then, in the top of the third inning, the Cougars exploded for their biggest inning of the year so far as MVNU sent 14 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs to blow the game wide open with a 15-0 lead. Yoder had a three-run triple and an RBI-single in the inning, junior infielder Matt Parks added a two-run double, and three other players each drove in a run in the frame.

That would prove to be all the scoring in the game as the game ended after five innings due to the mercy rule with the Cougars prevailing 15-0.

Freshman right-hander Jerrob Decker (1-0) (above) made his collegiate debut a memorable one as he allowed just two hits, four walks, and no runs over four innings while striking out seven batters to pick up the win. Sophomore lefty Andy Podolak also worked one hitless, scoreless inning and registered two strikeouts.

Jake Fitzgerald started for the Lancers and allowed 11 hits and 14 runs (only six earned) over 2.2 innings to take the loss, while Quentin Guess worked the final 2.1 innings and gave up two hits, one walk, and one unearned run.

Offensively, sophomore catcher Ian Durbin led the Cougars by going 3-for-4, while Yoder, Williams, Estep, and sophomore third baseman Michael Hendren added two hits apiece with Yoder (below) driving in five runs and Williams plating three runs. Ryan Eakins had a one-out single in the bottom of the third inning and Dan Dingledin had a one-out single in the bottom of the fourth inning to account for Grace’s two hits in the game.

In the second game against Clearwater Christian, MVNU took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without benefit of a hit. Hendren reached via catcher’s interference and junior outfielder Kodi Veale followed with a walk. After both players moved up with a stolen base, Estep plated Hendren with a sacrifice fly to right field with Veale moving to third. Then, Williams drove in Veale with a ground out to second.

The score remained that way until the top of the fourth inning when Clearwater Christian cut the lead in half as James Luke led the inning off with a double down the right field line and came around to score on an RBI-single by Cody Bracy up the middle to make it 2-1.

The pitchers’ duel continued into the bottom of the sixth inning with the Cougars clinging to their one-run lead. Then, MVNU sent 13 batters to the plate and scored nine times to end the game early as the Cougars prevailed 11-1. Estep and sophomore catcher Ricardo Rodriguez both had two hits in the inning with Rodriguez also driving in two runs in the frame.

Sophomore right-hander Steve Miller (2-0) tossed a complete game in his first start of the season as he allowed just three hits, one walk, and one run over six innings with one strikeout.

Meanwhile, Luis Ramos took the loss for Clearwater Christian as he started and gave up six hits, one walk, and five runs (three earned) over five-plus innings. Mark Wilson faced four batters and did not record an out as he allowed two hits, one walk, and four runs (two earned), and Allan Heney gave up three hits, one walk, and two unearned runs while registering two outs.

Offensively, freshman designated hitter Josh Roberts went 3-for-3 to improve to 8-for-9 on the season (.889). Estep, Rodriguez, and Parks also added two hits apiece. Luke, Bracy, and James Wolstenholme each collected a hit for Clearwater Christian.

“I was very encouraged by what I saw on the mound today,” said MVNU coach Keith Veale. “Jerrob, Andy, and Steve all did a great job of attacking the (strike) zone and going right after hitters. Our (batting) lineup was also solid from top to bottom with everyone contributing and producing.”

The Cougars will return to action on Monday with a nine-inning game against NCAA Division II Mercy (N.Y.) College at 10:00 a.m. at Southeastern (Fla.) University in Lakeland. Then, MVNU will take on Southeastern in a seven-inning game.