Springfield, Mo. - The Central Methodist Baseball team earned a 13-7 win over Park University in its first game of the Heart of America Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. 

Highlighting the day for the Eagles was a historic showing from junior infielder Diego Da Rin. The native of Valencia, Venezuela tied the NAIA record with three triples, a feat that hadn't been done since the 2016 season. 

He finished the day batting three-for-four while driving in three runners and crossing the plate twice himself. Carlos Negron batted three-for-four with a two-RBI double in the first inning. 

Tanner Sears tallied two RBI, including a sacrifice fly in the second, followed by an RBI single in the seventh. Valentin Cerna Jr. picked up two hits in six at-bats, including a triple. 

Central opened the game scoring five runs in the first, one in the second, and two in the third to take a commanding 9-0 lead. Despite the Pirates breaking through in the third and fourth innings, CMU never looked back.

Sebastian Escobar earned his ninth win of the year, tossing five and two thirds innings and striking out nine. Larry Riddle Jr. came in relief, throwing the final three and a third innings and recording five strikeouts. He would go on to earn in third save of the year. 

Central advances on the winner's side of the bracket, and will next face Mount Mercy Sunday, May 5 at 12:00 p.m.

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