By: Sean Neidig, sports information graduate assistant

ALLIANCE, Ohio – Capital University Baseball traveled to the University of Mount Union on Saturday for the team's final road doubleheader of the season but suffered a pair of difficult losses. The Crusaders fell 8-0 in the first game while producing only one hit and then were walked off in the second game.

Game 1 – Capital 0, Mount Union 8

In the first game of the day, Capital's bats were almost completely silenced in an 8-0 loss. The Crusaders managed only one hit in the game, a single from Brandon Barnette in the first inning. Shayne Lyons reached base via walks in the first and third innings and both Connor Richardson and Cole Callaghan reached on Mount Union errors in the sixth and eighth innings.

For much of the game though the Crusaders were still within striking distance. Mount Union scored a run in the first inning but then did not score again until a seven-run seventh inning put the game out of reach.

Mount Union starter Phil Mary pitched a complete game and struck out 13. Capital's starter Alex Mukenstrum pitched the first six innings for the Crusaders and allowed four runs while striking out eight. Mukensturm's third strikeout of the day was the 100th of his career.

Game 2 – Capital 2, Mount Union 3

In the second game, Capital found its offense and took a two-run lead in the second inning thanks to a single from Ryan Henne that scored Bryce Grisez and Beau Otto.

The Crusaders held onto that lead until the eighth inning when Mount Union got on the board. The Purple Raiders scored their first run on an RBI double to center and then a bases-loaded walk tied the game. Pitcher Tate Virts then got himself a double play ball to end the inning without allowing Mount Union to take the lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, Nick Satovich singled up the middle to lead off and then was replaced by Quentin Peters as a pinch runner. Peters was then bunted over to second base and a wild pitch allowed him to scoot to third. Brian Livosi drew a walk and then stole second before Nate Owen drew a walk to load the bases again. Billy Goodall then drew another walk to end the game.

Starting pitcher Scott Gutstein pitched 7 1/3 innings and allowed only five hits and two runs while striking out one. Tate Virts came on to finish the game.  

Capital will conclude its season on Friday, May 3 with a home doubleheader against Heidelberg University. The team will honor its seniors before first pitch at 1 p.m.

## CRUSADERS ##