After losing to Abilene Christian in the first championship game 11-5, things did not start out well for Central Missouri in the second, winner take all game of the South Central Regional in Warrensburg. However, an 18 run attack by the Mules powered them to an 11-4 win and a berth in the D-II championship this weekend in Cary, NC.
Down 3-0 in the second, Mules star center fielder Chance Tuttle singled in a run and with the bases loaded, Nick DeBiasse was hit by a pitch to make it a 3-2 game after two. In the bottom of the third, the Mules took the lead for good. Tuttle would drive in another run in that third inning as the Mules went up 5-2. Tuttle finished the game 3 for 5.
Up 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth Mules blew the game open with a five spot. The Mules sent 10 batters the plate and came up with six hits…all of them singles. CMSU added another run in the 7th.
The Mules now head to Cary, NC where they will face Tampa in the first round of the national championships Saturday at noon. Here is the bracket.