USF Cruises Past (RV) UNOH in Big 10-5 Win
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(RV) Northwestern Ohio | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | X | 10 | 7 | 3 |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) baseball team defeated the visiting Racers from the University of Northwestern Ohio, who are receiving votes in the NAIA polls, by a final score of 10-5 at the Cougar Baseball Field on Tuesday, April 22.
In the top of the first inning, Eli Riley hit a three-run home run over the left field fence, giving the Cougars an early 3-0 lead.
Riley then followed up with a two-run double down the left field line in the bottom of the third inning. Callan Stauffer added to the score by tripling to right center, scoring two more runs and extending USF's lead to 7-0.
UNOH cut Saint Francis's lead to four after driving in three runs in the top of the fourth inning.
The Cougars capitalized on an error by the Racers in the bottom of the sixth inning, bringing in two more runs and making the score 9-3 in favor of USF.
After Northwestern Ohio scored again in the top of the seventh to make it 9-4, Zach Trojanowski hit a triple to right center, allowing Ayden Lichtensteiger to score, bringing Saint Francis to their 10th run of the game.
In the top of the ninth inning, UNOH used a sacrifice fly to score another run as the Racers attempted a late rally, but Saint Francis held them off to secure a 10-5 victory.
The Cougars' pitching staff, which included Matthew Roettger, Andrew Zellers, Jaden Markus, Carson Hunter, Cameron Alford, and Andrew Kent, combined for a total of 10 strikeouts while limiting the Racers to just four hits.
As a team, Saint Francis recorded 10 hits and five walks on Tuesday night. Jayden Lepper went 2-2 at the plate with three runs scored and two walks. Riley hit 2-5 with a team-high five RBI, a double and his 10th homer of the season. Stauffer had a triple and two RBI, while Trojanowski also had an extra-base hit and drove in a run. Xavier Gonsalves contributed a stolen base for the Cougars.
Up next, USF baseball will host Goshen College in their last regular season series on April 25-26. Saturday will be Senior Day for Saint Francis.
Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com.
