The Diamond Deacons kicked off their weekend series with a commanding 12-2 victory over the Loyola Marymount Lions, wrapping up the first game of a Friday doubleheader in style.
The Deacons' offense wasted no time, despite early outs from Javar Williams and Kade Lewis. Two walks and a hit batter set the stage for Jackson Miller, who was eager to make up for a lost home run earlier in the week.
This time, Miller left no doubt, launching a grand slam to left field and giving the Deacons a quick 4-0 lead. Jimmy Keenan followed up with a double, and after Austin Hawke was hit by a pitch, JD Stein added a double of his own, pushing the lead to 5-0.
On the mound, Blake Morningstar, coming off a rough patch with a 15.54 ERA over his last five starts, found his rhythm. Despite a bases-loaded scare in the third, Morningstar settled in, delivering seven innings of shutout baseball with nine strikeouts, allowing just four hits and two walks.
The Deacons kept the pressure on in the fourth. Stein was hit by a pitch to start the inning, followed by a bunt single from Williams. Dalton Wentz then ripped a single to left center, bringing in two more runs and extending the lead to 7-0.
Freshman Ryan Brennecke took over pitching duties from Morningstar and faced some turbulence, giving up a two-run double to LMU's Zach Wadas. Coach Tom Walter quickly called on Luke Schmolke, who ended the threat efficiently.
LMU's reliever Zach Bender managed to keep the Deacons in check for a couple of innings but faltered in the eighth. After loading the bases, Lewis drove in a run with a single.
A wild pitch added another, prompting a pitching change. Caleb Sweeney entered but couldn't stop the momentum, allowing RBI singles from Jordan Serrano and Matt Conte.
Miller's RBI fielder's choice capped the scoring, invoking the 10-run mercy rule and sealing the Deacons' 12-2 triumph.
It's a performance that sets a high bar for the rest of the series, showcasing both offensive firepower and pitching prowess. The Deacons are off to a flying start, and if they keep this up, they're poised for a strong weekend showing.