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Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

COLUMBUS – The Capital University baseball team concluded the regular season Saturday by splitting a pair of games against Heidelberg in an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader at Clowson Field.

The Crusaders took the first game 14-12 before nearly coming back in the second, falling 6-5. Seniors Patrick Jackson (Grove City, Ohio), Brandon Natale (Westerville, Ohio), Garrett Griffin (Grandview, Ohio), Jacob Thuman (Westerville, Ohio) and Dean Langholz (Pittsburgh, Pa.) were recognized on Senior Day following their final games in purple and white.

The first game concluded in thrilling fashion as junior right fielder Andy Grillo (McArthur, Ohio) gave the Crusaders a walk-off win with a three-run home run to left center field. His first homer of the year was part of a 4-for-4 game for Grillo, which included three runs scored and five runs batted in.

Sophomore right-hander Michael Flegal (Akron, Ohio) pitched 2/3 of the top of the seventh inning to pick up his third win of the season.

Capital took a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the third on an RBI groundout by junior left fielder Taylor Branisel (South Euclid, Ohio) and a two-run homer by sophomore designated hitter Matt Carnahan (Moundsville, W.Va.), his second of the campaign.

The lead increased to 8-2 in the bottom of the fourth on a two-out, two-run double down the left field line by senior shortstop Jacob Thuman (Westerville, Ohio) and another two-out hit by Branisel.

The two teams went back and forth over the final three frames. The 'Berg took a 12-10 advantage entering the bottom of the seventh, and after hit a pinch-hit sacrifice fly to knock in a run, Grillo was set up to play the role of hero.

Thuman and junior third baseman Ryan Pearson (Springfield, Ohio) each contributed with two hits. Branisel plated three runs for the contest.

In the nightcap, the Crusaders nearly pulled off another walk-off victory but it was cut short in the ninth. Capital loaded the bases with nobody out but the contest ended on a 1-2-3 double play.

Junior designated hitter Nate Campbell (Latrobe, Pa.), Thuman, Natale and junior second baseman Brian Wyer (New Albany, Ohio) registered two hits apiece. Griffin took the loss, his third of the season, in relief.