KANSAS CITY, Mo. – MBU Baseball (2-4) split two games in Kansas City on Monday afternoon. The Spartans fell 6-1 to No. 20 Central Methodist (6-3) before picking up a comfortable 7-3 win over Baker (3-7). The games were played at the Royals Urban Youth Academy just across the street from the Negro League Hall of Fame in downtown KC.
 
GAME ONE
The Spartans drew first blood in the opening game of the day. In the first inning, Trey Steffler doubled and came around to score on a base hit by Carter Mize.
 
That was the extent of the offense though for Missouri Baptist. Central Methodist tied the game in the second inning and then added one more in the third, one in the fourth, and three runs in the fifth.
 
The Spartans had their best opportunity in the third inning with runners at second and third and just one out. But Trey Steffler hit a line drive back to the pitcher who then doubled Ashanti Ross off third base.
 
GAME TWO
The nightcap featured another fast start for Mo. Bap against Baker (Kan.). Trey Steffler kicked things off with an RBI single to score Ross in the bottom of the first. Hunter Hill then scored on a double steal attempt with Sage Voda at the plate.
 
The score stayed 2-0 until the fifth when the Spartans blew it open. Ashanti Ross again led off with a hit and came around to score on a double by Hill. Voda drove Hill in with a double of his own and Vincent Napolitano put a bow on the inning with a two-RBI single to make it 6-0.
 
Baker chipped away with two runs in the fifth inning but the MBU pitching staff kept the comeback attempt at bay. After Jarrett Quinn made the start and contributed three shutout innings, Masen Palmier came on in relief for the next 2 and 2/3. Aaron Jonas and Manny Pizarro finished off the last inning and a 1/3.
 
NEXT UP
The Spartans head to Conway, Ark. on Friday to begin AMC play. Central Baptist College is 9-2 so far this season. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 12 pm.