MIDLAND — The defending national champs left no doubt in their opener at the regional tournament.
Top-seeded McLennan powered to a 15-7 seven-inning win over Howard on Friday at Christensen Stadium. That puts the Highlanders (44-10-1) into a winner’s bracket game at 5 p.m. Saturday against Midland, which defeated Ranger, 2-0, in their opening game Friday.
MCC’s Hunter Grimes flexed his muscle with a pair of home runs, going 3-for-5 overall with four RBIs. Izzy Lopez banged a grand slam for the Highlanders to blow the game open in the sixth. MCC led just 8-7 after four innings.
Nick Greaney notched the win for the Highlanders in relief of ace starter Will Carsten.
Chase Brown had a two-run double for MCC in the win, while Ty Johnson went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Howard (24-28) will play Ranger in an elimination game at 10 a.m. Saturday.
