The men's baseball team got off to a rough start in its opening weekend of play.
The Tigers faced Manchester University (8-0) in a double header and lost both games by identical scores, 10-2.
Head coach Jake Martin said the Tigers got on base but couldn't quite get the run to home.
"I think the big difference was that we put too many guys on base through walks or hitting batters," Martin said. "When you put that many guys on base, those hits are turning into RBI's."
DePauw fell behind early in the first match-up against Manchester. The Spartans got a 2-0 lead after the first inning and were able to get a 10-1 run lead by the fourth. Manchester was lead by junior Jordan Niemann and sophomore Trevor Kimm, who each had three RBI's.
Despite the team's losses after six games being postponed or cancelled, the guys were ready to hit the field.
"All the guys were excited to get out on the field for the first time; this was our first time on our infield," Martin said.
The second game was a closer affair as Manchester led 2-0 until the seventh inning. Sophomore Jack Peck threw five solid innings for the Tigers, only allowing two runs on three hits. However, in the seventh, the Spartans broke open the game by scoring five runs.
This was the Tigers first opportunity to get outside after weeks of practice inside. All of the team's games were cancelled last weekend as well as the two games that were scheduled to take place on Saturday.
"I think it was good for us to get outside and get the first couple games under our belt, regardless of the outcome," junior pitcher Alex Sroka said. "We've been inside for six weeks and you can't replicate some of things that you can do outside. It's not an excuse, but it was still good for the young guys to get some reps outside."
The games were also an opportunity for the Tigers to get some of their starting pitchers some innings. The Tigers used seven pitchers in total against the Spartans.
"The plan going into the game was to have all four starters throw to get them in game shape," Sroka said. "Coach Martin definitely wanted to give people opportunities to see where they are at. Getting people comfortable was also a big key."
Two players received injuries despite it being the opening weekend. Junior Rob Stein and senior Zach Galyean suffered injuries during the games and their status for the upcoming weekend is questionable.
"That's two hitters at the top of our lineup that could potentially be out for this weekend," Martin said. "It will provide some opportunities for younger guys to step up."
The Tigers are scheduled to play a pair of double-headers next weekend against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Concordia University Chicago. The games Saturday will be played in Terre Haute while the games Sunday will be played at DePauw at Walker Field.