Findlay Loses a Pair vs. Malone
Findlay, OH – The University of Findlay baseball team hosted Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponent, Malone University, on Saturday, April 11. The Oilers lost both games and dropped their record to 8-24 overall and 3-13 in GLIAC play.
The first contest was a struggle for Findlay as they surrendered runs in each of the first four innings en route to an 8-1 loss.
The Oilers could only muster five hits in the game and their lone run came in the sixth inning when Josh Schwerer hit a one out, infield single and later scored on a double-play ball from Christion Smith.
A.J. Cecil took the loss on the mound as he pitched 2.2 innings and allowed five runs on six hits. He struck out two and walked one.
As a team, the Oilers had one run on five hits, made one error, and left six runners on base.
Malone got off to a good start as they loaded the bases in the first inning, but solid pitching from Jon Walker held the visitors to just a single run.
After a zero in the first, the Oilers were able to score a pair of runs in the bottom of the second. Troy Merriman walked with one out and advanced on a single from Logan Harrah. Merriman moved to third on a fielder's choice from Kevin Schrock. Miguel Valdez hit a fly ball to right field and the Pioneer outfielder had trouble with the catch and dropped the ball. Valdez was able to reach second while Merriman and Schrock crossed the plate, giving the Oilers their first lead of the day at 2-1.
Findlay was able to add on in the fourth inning when Merriman led off with a walk and later came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Valdez. That score put the home team in the lead, 3-1 after four innings, however, Malone quickly tied the game as they scored a pair of runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game at three and then added two more in the seventh putting them ahead 5-3.
The Oilers bats went silent for the remainder of the game as the contest ultimately ended in a 7-3 final.
Jon Walker (1-4) took the loss on the hill as he pitched seven innings and allowed seven runs, five earned, on six hits. He walked three and struck out six.
Findlay ended the game with three runs on two hits. They made three errors and left seven runners on base.
The teams will conclude their series tomorrow afternoon, April 12, with the first game beginning at 1:00pm.