NORTH CANTON, OH: The Walsh University baseball team hosted Slippery Rock University for their home opener at Biery Stadium on Tuesday, falling to the Rock in a hard-fought 5-3 extra-inning battle. Despite a strong start, the Cavaliers couldn't hold on, dropping their record to 2-13 for the season while Slippery Rock improved to 9-6.
Walsh jumped out to an early lead when Cam Hollobaugh launched a solo home run to left field in the first inning. They extended their advantage to 2-0 in the second when Ryan Bruni scored on an RBIÂ groundout by Mason Stoldt.
Slippery Rock chipped away at the lead, scoring single runs in the fifth, seventh, and eighth innings to tie the game at 3-3. Walsh's final run came in the bottom of the seventh when Chris Kramer crossed the plate on a Cam Hollobaugh groundout.
The game remained deadlocked until the top of the tenth when Slippery Rock capitalized on a crucial error. Robert Herr reached on a misplay by Walsh's right fielder, allowing both Tyler Cerame and Treston Nemeth to score the go-ahead runs.
Michael Kitko earned the win for Slippery Rock with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out four. Patrick Ciccantelli took the tough-luck loss for Walsh, surrendering two unearned runs in the tenth.
Despite the loss, Walsh showed improvement at the plate, matching Slippery Rock with 10 hits. Brodey Acres and Andrew Morse led the Cavaliers with multi-hit performances, while Ryan Bruni added a double.
The Cavaliers will look to bounce back as they take on Lake Erie in a home series later this week.
LOCATION:Â Biery Stadium, North Canton, OH
SCORE:Â Slippery Rock 5, Walsh 3
RECORD:Â Slippery Rock (9-6), Walsh (2-13)
CAVALIER HIGHLIGHTS:
