Webb Sets MIAA Home Run Record; Mules Complete Sweep of Ichabods

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (March 28, 2021) - The game belonged to the Mules, but the day belonged to senior outfielder Erik Webb. After tying the record last night in dramatic game-tying fashion, Webb set the new MIAA home run record in the first inning today hitting the 53rd of his career. Webb's home run gave the Mules the lead as they went on to defeat Washburn 5-2. The win is their 13th straight and puts them at 18-4 this season, 14-1 in the league.

How it Happened
• After getting outhit in both games yesterday, the Mules bats came out swinging picking up 12 hits and scoring five runs.
• UCM relied on their bullpen as they used seven pitchers who combined to allow two runs on three hits.
• Central Missouri had a chance to add more runs, but left nine runners on base. Washburn also stranded a bunch, leaving eight.
• The Mules played a clean game defensively, not committing an error for the first time in the series.
• Webb got the scoring started in the first with a long home run to left.
• The Mules led 1-0 until the second when the Ichabods had a pair of RBI doubles for a 2-1 lead.
• An inning later, the Mules claimed the lead right back thanks to another home run. Alex Madera lifted a two-run shot to left and UCM was back on top 3-2.
• UCM tacked on runs in the seventh and eighth innings getting an RBI single from John Prudhom in the seventh and after Micah Evans led off the eighth with a double, he came in to score on a balk.
• Washburn brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but Evan Rathburn worked out of the jam for a one-out save.

Mules Stat Leaders
• Webb finished the game 2-4 with his 53rd career home run.
• Madera also went 2-4 with a home run and two RBI.
• Micah Evans picked up two doubles and scored.
• Conor Dryer worked the first five innings on the mound and gave up two runs on two hits with six strikeouts.

For the Ichabods
• Sean McElwee struck out eight batters in six innings allowing three runs on nine hits.
• Carson Sader was 1-3 with a double, run and an RBI.
• Eric Hinostroza doubled and drove in a run.

News and Notes
• Webb's 53rd home run broke an MIAA record formerly held by Steve Williams of Southeast Missouri State set in 1984.
• Webb's MIAA tying and record-setting home runs came on back-to-back pitches over two games.
• The Mules threw six out of the bullpen who combined for four innings of one-hit ball with three strikeouts.
• Central Missouri finished 2020 on a 14-game winning streak and are one win away from matching that.
• Evan Rathburn picked up two saves in the series. He's got five for the season.
• The Mules swept the season series from Washburn for the first time since 2016. 

Up Next
• The Mules will be on the road for six straight starting next weekend. It'll be a battle of the top-two teams in the league with the Mules heading to Joplin, Mo. for a three-game series with Missouri Southern.