The Marian University Ancilla Baseball team traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, Friday afternoon to play a pair of games against the Grace Christian University Tigers. The Chargers needed 8 innings to survive the Tigers, 13-12, but then defeated them once again in the second contest by a much more comfortable 11-5 margin. Below is a quick glance at some highlights from each game.

GAME-1 (W 13-12): Marian Ancilla jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the top of the 2nd inning, but at the end of 4 innings, they found themselves down by a 10-8 tally. In the top of the 7th, Freshman Isaak Osborne and Sophomore Traevyn Shoaf each earned their way aboard after being plunked by pitches. Sophomore John Morgan then walked, loading the bases for Freshman Logan Clark. Clark hit a fly ball single to right field, allowing Osborne to score and cutting the gap to 10-9. Then, with 2 outs in the inning, Freshman Tanner Coble singled to left field, scoring Morgan to knot the game at 10-10.

In the top of the 8th, the Chargers again loaded the bases with 2 walks and a single. Morgan came to the plate and delivered a 2-run single to right field, scoring Osborne and Redshirt Freshman Aiden Diaz. Clark then hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Shoaf, and Marian Ancilla possessed a 13-10 advantage. The Chargers had to hold off the Tigers, as they cut it to 13-12. But with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd base, the Tigers grounded out to end the game.

Of note, Freshman Patrick Barry (1-1) picked up the first win of his career pitching in middle relief. In 4 1/3 innings, the righty allowed 2 runs while striking out 5 batters. Morgan and Clark each drove in 3 runs, while Coble and Freshman Wes McNeff each drove in a pair of runs. Sophomore Blaze Schultz also stole 2 bases in the outing.

GAME-2 (W 11-5): Trailing 2-1 entering the 5th inning, Marian Ancilla scored 3 runs in the top of the 5th and 7 runs in the top of the 7th to take the 11-5 victory. John Morgan was again locked in at the plate, hitting safely 3 times, including 2 doubles, and he drove in nearly half (5) of the team's runs. Freshman Caden Taylor also had 3 hits and an RBI on a solo HOME RUN, while Wes McNeff drove in a pair of runners as well.

Sophomore starting pitcher Jaden Franceschina (1-0) pitched a strong 7-inning complete game, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits, while striking out 8 batters. It was his first win of the season and it allowed the bullpen some rest heading into more conference matchups this coming week.

The Chargers are back in action early this week when they host Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday afternoon. It is a 2:00 p.m. tilt, so please come out and support the guys, if you are able (and not in class)!!