XENIA, Ohio – The Capital University baseball team played for the first time in Ohio Monday afternoon and suffered a 17-7 setback against Anderson (Ind.) at the Athletes in Action Grady's Field.

The Crusaders (5-4 overall) took a 5-3 lead in the top of the third inning, but the Ravens tallied 14 unanswered runs to take a commanding lead and control of the contest.

Anderson (3-0) registered 17 hits and drew eight walks, crossing home plate at least onece in all but two of its at-bats.

Senior right-hander Jeremy Finchum (Galloway, Ohio) dropped to 1-1 with the loss, pitching 2/3 of an inning in relief of starter Justin Hoying (Ft. Loramie, Ohio). Senior lefty Jared Lee (North Bend, Ohio), sophomore right-hander Jeff Small (Sylvania, Ohio) and sophomore left-hander Adam Journic (Akron, Ohio) also pitched in relief.

Senior third baseman Ryan Pearson (Springfield, Ohio) led the offense with two hits, including a home run, and four runs batted in. Senior left fielder Taylor Branisel (South Euclid, Ohio) contributed with two hits, a run and an RBI, while senior right fielder Andy Grillo (McArthur, Ohio) scored a pair of runs.

After the Ravens took a 3-0 lead through two innings, Capital plated five in the top of the third, including four with two outs, to take the advantage. Senior shortstop Brian Wyer (New Albany, Ohio) doubled to left center with one out to score sophomore catcher Kirby Boehm (Worthington, Ohio).

Three batters later, Branisel knocked a single through the left side to plate Wyer. Perason, the next batter, launched a three-run homer to deep left center and give the Crusaders the lead.

Capital didn't score again until the top of the eighth, when Pearson and junior pinch hitter Austin Underwood (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) each recorded two-out singles to score a run apiece.

The Crusaders continue non-conference play tomorrow against OU-Lancaster in the team's 2014 home opener. Opening pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Clowson Field.