MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University baseball lost for the first time in Crossroads League play on Monday in a doubleheader sweep at the hands of Huntington (Ind.) at Wildcat Field.
Huntington picked up the win in game one by a 4-1 margin and completed the sweep in a 2-0 decision in game two. Indiana Wesleyan sees their overall record evened at 14-14 and they are now 4-2 in league play. Huntington improves to 6-7 and 3-1 in the Crossroads League.
The Foresters found single runs in the opening game in the first, third, fourth, and fifth innings to collect the 4-1 victory. The Wildcats scored their lone run in the fourth inning which cut the deficit to 3-1. IWU had the tying run on second base but a line out to short ended the threat.
Kyle Zerfas earned the win for Huntington with a two-hit complete game. He did not allow an Indiana Wesleyan hit until the fourth inning.
Justin Sovine (SR/Wadsworth, Ohio) also pitched a complete game as he allowed four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and three walks. Sovine struck out eight Foresters.
Craig Nesselhuf (JR/Littleton, Colo.) and Cody Calvert (SR/Godfrey, Ill.) earned the only two Indiana Wesleyan hits in the game while Thomas Barnes (SR/Marion, Ind.) reached base twice with walks. Courtesy runner Kaleb DeFreese (SO/Bristol, Ind.) scored the IWU run.
In the second game, the Foresters scored one run in each the fourth and fifth innings for a 2-0 advantage. The Wildcats built their best chance in the seventh inning after Jacob Murphy (SR/Hudsonville, Mich.) and Matt Donker (FR/Holland, Mich.) each reached base with one out. But Nick Koh (SO/Auckland, N.Z.) struck out and Preston Fugita (SR/Littleton, Colo.) fouled out to end the threat and the game.
Jacob Gividen (FR/Portage, Mich.) pitched a complete game for Indiana Wesleyan. He allowed eight hits and four walks with eight strikeouts.
Nesselhuf and Logan Tomlinson (SO/Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) each finished with doubles while Fugita and Jacob Murphy both had a hit as well. Murphy reached base three times as he also walked twice.
Indiana Wesleyan and Huntington will be right back at it tomorrow with a second doubleheader on Tuesday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. at Wildcat Field.
