Santa Clarita, Calif. – The Crusaders' season opener against The Master's didn't unfold the way they hoped, as the Mustangs handed WCU a 15–1 defeat Thursday afternoon at Lou Herwaldt Stadium.
 
"It was tough start against an experienced club," said Head Coach Bobby Halford. "We have a lot of new faces for us, and we didn't compete early on the mound, and it just snowballed on us. We will get back at it tomorrow with different guys getting opportunities both on the mound and in the field"
 
The Master's struck early, starting with a solo home run to right-center from Ty Beck in the bottom of the first. Two consecutive walks and a balk put additional pressure on WCU, placing runners on second and third with no outs.
 
Jack Drew followed with an RBI groundout to short to make it 2–0. The Mustangs continued to capitalize, as Johan Pelayo drove in two more with a single to right before a wild pitch capped a five-run opening frame.
 
The Crusaders showed signs of life in the top of the third, advancing a runner to third base, but were unable to push him across. The Mustangs then seized full control in the bottom half, expanding their lead to 11 by taking advantage of a pair of errors along with a hit batter, a walk, and a sacrifice fly.
 
Carey mounted another threat in the fifth, loading the bases with two outs, but once again the Mustangs worked out of trouble to keep the Crusaders scoreless. The Master's extended its lead to 15–0 in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a two-out grand slam.
 
The Crusaders broke through in the sixth for their lone run of the day. Nic Arender and Gage Hinnant delivered back-to-back doubles, with Hinnant's hit driving in Arender to avoid the shutout.
 
Carey is back in action tomorrow as they take on the Mustangs at 4:00 pm.