ASHLAND, Ohio - The Saginaw Valley State University baseball team dropped both contests against Ashland University today (Apr. 14). SVSU fell 2-1 in nine innings before dropping game two, 12-0. The Cardinals move to 15-15 on the season and 11-7 in the GLIAC, while the Eagles improve to 20-12 overall and 12-6 in the conference.

Game 1

After three scoreless innings of action, the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Freshman center fielder Brad Schalk (Madison Heights, Mich./Bishop Foley HS) connected on a double down the right field line to bring home Cam Wiechmann (Birch Run, Mich./Muskegon CC), who reached on a two out Eagle error.

The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning, three outs away from victory. However, Ashland rallied to tie up the game on a single up the middle with runners on second and third when Ryan Ermers (Sterling Heights) threw out the potential game-winning run as catcher Chet LaFave (Charlotte, Mich./Olney Central College) applied the tag to force the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth inning, Saginaw Valley would threaten to score with bases loaded and no outs, but were unable to convert with runners in scoring position.

Ashland prevailed in the bottom of the ninth inning with an unearned run on a one out, bases loaded single up the middle for the 2-1 victory.

Starting pitcher Mike Saunders (Mt. Morris, Mich./E.A. Johnson HS) threw 8 1/3 strong innings allowing seven hits and two runs, while striking out nine batters. Saunders threw 97 of his 147 pitches for strikes on the afternoon.

Matt Hunt (Howell, Mich./Concordia University) led SVSU at the plate going 2-for-3 with a walk.

Game 2

Saginaw Valley struggled offensively in game two of the double header, while Ashland found their stride and shutout the Cardinals 12-0.

The Cardinals managed five hits in the contest and were led by Jason Potts (Hartland, Mich.) who tallied two doubles in three at-bats.

Eric Hummel (Menominee, Mich./Minnesota-Duluth) was the pitcher of record for SVSU as he came back into the starting rotation for his first start in two weeks. Hummel threw five innings giving up four earned runs.

Andy Orr (Utica, Mich.), Wiechmann and Brad Schalk each added one hit in game two.

SVSU will try to get back on track tomorrow (Apr. 15) as they finish their weekend series at Ashland. Game one is scheduled for noon.