Mayoral, Mustangs shine in home finale
Mullen beats Highlands Ranch 15-5.
It guaranteed Mullen another season with a winning record, but the Mustangs, who played their final home game of the 2019 season, have plenty in front of them.
Monday’s 13-3 whipping of Highlands Ranch in five innings in nonleague pushed the Mustangs to 13-9 overall. They are 26th in Class 5A playoff qualifying (32 teams will advance to regionals to be announced in mid-week) and will wrap up the regular season today, 4:15 p.m., at Cherokee Trail in Aurora with an opportunity to finish at 7-7 and chance to finish as high as a tie for third place in the finale of the Centennial League.
Against the Continental’s Falcons, the Mustangs trailed 3-0 in the first inning, but responded with a five-spot as an answer and scored in all four innings. An 11-hit attack featured two safeties each by Alek Elges, Cameron Brickley and Evan Malloy. Both of Malloy’s hits were doubles and Brennen Nolte had one. Michael Stanford and Jack Vitry tripled. The Mustangs also benefitted from four Highlands Ranch errors.
Left-hander Jayden Mayoral earned the victory and settled in after the first inning. He was touched for eight hits and walked three, but struck out five and went the distance.
Mullen has won three of its past four games.
Regional pairings, which are expected to be dominated by Continental teams, are set to be released on Wednesday. At the top is Mountain Vista, the defending 5A state champion.
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