The baseball team's spring break road trip was a disappointing one for the Tigers, who were outscored 35-29 in six games during the week.
However, after a nine-game losing streak, the team managed to bounce back Tuesday against Franklin in a 4-0 win. DePauw improved to 8-14, while the Grizzlies dropped to 11-4.
"It's a big relief for everyone, a fresh start," said freshman pitcher Alex Sroka.
Senior in-fielder Ben Gardner led off with a double. Junior Rob McPike followed with a single to right center, which scored Gardner and gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, the Tiger pitching staff received more run support when catcher Sam Swafford reached on an error, sophomore Jason Cohen was hit by a pitch, and junior Alex Wright singled to load the bases. Freshman Robbie Stein then delivered a bases loaded triple.
"[Stein's hit] was really the difference in the game offensively," said head coach Jake Martin.
Franklin didn't advance a runner to third until the ninth inning and only placed five players in scoring position throughout the game.
DePauw totaled eight hits led by Gardner's two. Scott Windler had three of Franklin's nine hits, white Nick Stoia added a pair.
Junior Hobs Donovan was credited with the win as the Tigers played three different pitchers. Donovan improved to 3-2 after allowing just two hits and striking out three with no walks.
"It was a very clean game on our part," Martin said.
Martin said that breaking the losing streak felt great and that it was nice to remember what it was like to win.
"We learned a lot about ourselves during that losing streak," Martin said. "I was proud of the guys for staying together. We weren't blaming the pitching or hitting or defense. We stuck together."
While varsity has seen its ups and downs this season, the Tigers' junior varsity team is 3-0. Martin said he's very excited about the group of freshman on the team and that their success says a lot about the future of the program.
"It shows we're competitive, and we work hard too," Sroka said. "In the long run, being competitive will make us better as a team."
The Tigers host Oglethorpe University on Saturday at noon in a doubleheader at Walker Field.