By: Sean Neidig, sports information graduate assistant

HIRAM, Ohio – If there were any feelings of fatigue for Capital University Baseball after the team played 18 innings on Saturday, the Crusaders did not show it on Sunday as Capital scored a season-high 19 runs in a 19-9 win over Hiram College.

The Crusaders racked up 19 total hits and the 10-run win is Capital's largest of the year.

Capital got the scoring started in the first inning with an RBI single from Connor Richardson. The second inning proved to be the most explosive for Capital as eight Crusaders crossed home plate. Bryce Grisez doubled in the first run of the inning and then back-to-back singles from Shayne Lyons and Joe Caporale each scored a run. Another run scored on an RBI groundout and then Beau Otto, who led off the inning, scored two with a hit up the middle. Cole Callaghan completed the big inning with a single that scored Otto.

Two runs scored in the third inning, one on a wild pitch and the other on a single from Richardson. In the fourth, two runs scored on back-to-back Hiram errors before Caporale smashed an RBI single and then Richardson grounded out but brought home a run to complete a four-run inning and the Crusaders led 15-0.

Hiram scored three runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth to cut Capital's advantage to eight runs but the Crusaders responded with another four-run frame in the sixth. Grisez led off with a home run to left, his first of his career. Dakota DeStefano then singled in a run and Richardson connected with his second homer of the season, a two-run shot.

Hiram staged a small two-run rally in the ninth but could close the gap any further.

Richardson finished the day as Capital's offensive leader, going 4-for-5 with the home run and a team-high five RBIs. Grisez went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double and two RBIs. Otto and Caporale each finished with both two hits and two RBIs.

On the mound, Jared Heidecker picked up his second win of the season by allowing three runs, one earned in four innings while striking out five. Kyle Armbrecht, Bryant Caporale and Ryan Henne also pitched for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders will look to keep their hot streak alive on Tuesday, April 9 at home against Muskingum University. First pitch for an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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