The Malone Pioneers used some timely hitting and exceptional pitching to upend the Ashland University Eagles on Sunday (Apr. 21), 4-3 in a GLIAC baseball game.
The loss leaves 19th-ranked Ashland with a 27-12 record, 15-8 in the GLIAC. Malone is 16-21 and 9-15.
The Eagles managed just five hits off a trio of Malone pitchers. Only one of those hits went for extra bases - a double by freshman designated hitter Mackenzie Hampshire (Delphos, Ohio/Elida).
AU had a 3-2 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. Malone scored twice in the inning to go in front, 4-3. The go-ahead run came home on a single by catcher Hayden Mobley. Third baseman Bob Suitca was 3-for-3.
Taylore Baker started for Malone and went 6.2 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits. The win went to relief pitcher Jordan Booth, who allowed a run in a third of an inning. He left in favor of Jesse Coblentz, who pitched the final two innings and gained his fourth save of the season.
AU got a strong effort from starting pitcher Vince Frate (North Royalton, Ohio). He pitched the first six innings and permitted two runs on seven hits. Frate didn't allow a walk and struck out four.
The loss went to freshman right-hander Ricky Krieger (New Philadelphia, Ohio). He gave up two runs on four hits in two innings. He walked one and struck out one.
Ashland plays at Findlay on Wednesday (Apr. 17).
AU
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