Ashland, Ohio – Despite three hits apiece by sophomore Hunter Thorn (Portage, Ind./Portage) and freshman Kevin McCune (Munster, Ind./Andrean), the Purdue Northwest baseball team dropped both games of its doubleheader with Ashland University (Ohio) Saturday in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action at Tomassi Stadium in Ashland, Ohio. The Pride lost the first game 4-3, on a walk-off single to right field and then fell behind early in an 11-0 loss in game two.

McCune put PNW in front 1-0 in the top of the first inning of game one on a RBI single through the left side. In the bottom of the third, the Eagles scored three runs to go up 3-1 with the big hit coming on a two-run single up the middle. Sophomore Alex Batistatos (Hobart, Ind./Hobart) tied the game at 3-3 with a two-run single to left centerfield in the top of the seventh. However, Ashland won the game in the bottom of the seventh on a RBI single with the bases loaded. 

Senior Jimmy Skiff (Dyer, Ind./Andrean) got the start for the Pride in game one and allowed eight hits, three runs (all earned) and no walks over his six innings of work with three strikeouts. Junior Joe Davi (New Lenox, Ill./Joliet JC/Lincoln-Way Central) suffered the loss (0-3) in relief giving up one hit, one run (earned) and no walks without recording an out.  

After a scoreless first inning, AU took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second off a RBI single and a sacrifice bunt. The Eagles extended their lead to 8-0 in the bottom of the third with six runs off a pair of two-run doubles as well as a RBI single and a RBI groundout. A two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth and another RBI groundout completed the scoring for Ashland in game two. McCune and Lane each posted two hits in the game for four of PNW's five total hits.

Junior Kyle Flessner (Thomasboro, Ill./Kankakee CC/Rantoul Township) recorded the loss (2-3) as the Pride starter in game two. He pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 11 hits, 11 runs (all earned) and two walks with a strikeout. Junior Dylan Collins (Jasonville, Ind./Vincennes JC/Shakamak) threw the final 1.2 innings and allowed a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. 

Purdue Northwest (14-18 overall/6-12 GLIAC) wraps up its conference series against the Ashland University Eagles on Sunday, April 22. The final game of the series is scheduled for a noon CT start Sunday at Tomassi Stadium.