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Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

XENIA, Ohio – The Capital University baseball team saw its five-game winning streak snapped Saturday, falling in consecutive games against Elmhurst (Ill.) in a non-conference doubleheader at the Athletes in Action Sports Complex.

The Crusaders (5-5 overall) were edged 5-4 in 10 innings in the opening contest before being knocked off 16-3 in seven innings in the nightcap.

The Blue Jays (4-0) scored in bunches in the second game, tallying 10 unanswered runs in three consecutive innings after Capital had taken a 3-2 advantage through one frame. Elmhurst tacked on three more in the seventh.

Senior centerfielder Patrick Jackson (Grove City, Ohio) posted two hits and an RBI to lead the Crusaders. Senior first baseman Brandon Natale (Westerville, Ohio) recorded a two-run double and junior infielder Anthony Calabrese (Hudson, Ohio) had a run-scoring hit in the bottom of the first to give Capital an early lead.

Junior pitcher Justin Hoying (Ft. Loramie, Ohio) took the loss to move to 1-1 for the season. He struck out four in 3 1/3 innings pitched.

In the opener, the Crusaders led 3-0 through five innings before the Blue Jays plated four unanswered runs to take a 4-3 lead into the ninth inning.

Down to the team's last out, junior left fielder Taylor Branisel (South Euclid, Ohio) came through with an infield hit to score junior right fielder Andy Grillo (McArthur, Ohio) from third base and tie the score at 4-4.

After consecutive three-up, three-down innings, Elmhurst led off the bottom of the 10th with a double and, following a sacrifice bunt, scored on a passed ball to end the contest.

Junior relief pitcher Michael Flegal (Akron, Ohio) dropped to 1-1 with the tough-luck loss. Flegal pitched three innings and was responsible for the winning run. Senior Garrett Griffin (Grandview, Ohio) started the affair and surrendered just one unearned run in five innings of work, scattering three hits and four walks while striking out five.

Sophomore catcher Matt Carnahan (Moundsville, W.Va.; above) was 3-for-4 with a run scored and two runs batted in on a clutch two-out base hit to center in the top of the third. Grillo, senior second baseman Jacob Thuman (Westerville, Ohio) and senior designated hitter Dean Langholz (Pittsburgh, Pa.) contributed with two hits apiece.

Junior shortstop Brian Wyer (New Albany, Ohio) plated the Crusaders' other run on a two-out single in the top of the sixth.

Capital outhit the Blue Jays 11-8 but Elmhurst took advantage of 10 bases on balls.

The Crusaders continue non-conference play this Tuesday at OU Lancaster. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. in Lancaster, Ohio.