On Friday April 1, the Saint Xavier men’s baseball team split their home doubleheader against the Iowa Wesleyan College Tigers.
The first game of the day was no contest for the Cougars as they beat the Tigers 15-1. This game was highlighted by a massive seven-run second inning that gave SXU a 9-0 lead early on. The Cougars would even add another five runs in the fifth inning, just to make sure this lead was extra secure.
The stars for the Cougars during this game were Declan Smyth and Darren Zarillo, who both had three RBIs each in the victory. The Cougars also got a great outing from starter, Jake Frenci, who pitched four scoreless innings while also adding five strikeouts as well.
Unfortunately, the second game of the day did not go Saint Xavier’s way, as the Tigers bounced back to win 5-3. The Cougars were able to get nine hits and two walks off the Tigers’ starting pitcher, but only ended up with two runs scored despite this production.
SXU was able to load the bases down two in the bottom of the ninth inning before Daniel Barrio’s strikeout ended their comeback efforts.
The biggest contributor for the Cougars was first baseman, Patrick Doran, who had three hits, a run scored, and a run driven in as well. Zarillo also had a big moment in this game, as he drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single in the fourth.
There was supposed to be a third game to this series played on Saturday, but this game was unfortunately canceled due to rain.
With this split, the Cougars record is now 25-6, and they are still 8-2 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The Cougars have fallen to the second spot in the CCAC now, as the Olivet Nazarene Tigers are currently ahead of them with a 10-2 record.
SXU does have six games against CCAC opponents next week, so this will be a big opportunity for them to try and retake that number one spot.
The Cougars next game is on Wednesday, April 6, where they travel down to Charleston Illinois, to play the Eastern Illinois Cougars at 3:00 p.m.
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