DePauw University's baseball team took a break from their grueling NCAC schedule to travel south to St. Louis for a four game series with the Washington University in St. Louis Bears.
Despite coming in having won six of their previous eight games, the Bears cooled off the roaring Tigers, as they took three of the four games held at Washington University's Kelly Field.
The series began Friday afternoon with the Tigers opening the series on the right note. A run scoring groundout and a bases loaded walk gave DePauw a 2-0 lead before Tiger starter, sophomore Wyatt Spector, could even take the mound.
The Tigers added another run in the top of the third, but then the Bears began to flex their offensive muscles. They would score at least one run in the final six innings including a big three run eighth inning.
With the score at 10-5, the Tigers rallied for only one run in the eighth as they fell by a score of 10-6.
Leading the DePauw offense was first-year shortstop Michael Hartnagel who had four hits and drove in one run.
Senior Pete Stuart drew the loss giving up three runs and three hits in one and two third innings of work.
In the second game on Friday, the Bears and Tigers saved the dramatics for the end.
DePauw found themselves trailing 8-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. After pulling themselves within three, a two RBI double by senior Zach Starr made the score 8-7. Starr would then come around to score on a single by senior Brendon Pashia that tied the game at eight.
However, the Bears would not lie down. With first-year Nick Horvath on the mound, CJ Price singled home pinch runner Dylan Reid to send Washington home with an 9-8 win and a sweep of Friday's games.
"As a pitcher you have to have a short term memory," Horvath said looking forward. "You can't worry and dwell about a bad performance on the mound. I know all my coaches and teammates have confidence in me when I'm out there so that helps in moving on and staying positive."
The Tigers would enact their revenge in the third game of the series on Saturday. This time it would be DePauw who got the best of the Bears in the ninth inning.
With the score tied at two a piece, Hartnagel led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. Zach Starr then came to plate and drove home Hartnagel with a fly ball to center field.
The dramatics were not over yet for the Tigers. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Washington put runners on the corners. A ground ball was hit to first-year Ryan Grippo at second base. The runner came barreling down the third base line but Grippo's throw got to first-year catcher Zack Wade who applied the tag just in time. The great defensive play helped secure a 3-2 win for the Tigers.
This marked the collegiate debut for Wade, who played quite well in his first career start. The catcher collected two hits and drove in a run.
"I was really excited to get my chance," Wade said. "Coach Martin told me a couple weeks ago that my first start will probably be during the Wash U series, so I've been waiting for it for what felt like forever."
First-year pitcher Riley Futterknecht went the distance on the mound for the Tigers. The lefty gave up eight hits and surrendered only two runs while striking out five Bears to help collect the victory.
The series finale featured another close game, with the Bears coming out 6-5 victors and thus taking three of the four games played.
The game was highlighted by a lack of fielding skill. The two teams combined for nine errors with the Tigers committing five of them.
The Bear's Kunal Patel went seven plus innings allowing only three earned runs on six Tiger hits.
Senior Michael Chiaro suffered the loss for the Tigers as his record fell to a poor 0-4. The senior has not had the best start to the season. He is winless in his six starts and has an earned run average above six.
The Tigers now sit at 11-14 overall. Their NCAC record of 6-4 is still good enough for second place in the conference's western division.
The Tigers will face their last road series of the year Wednesday. They will travel to Denison University for a crucial two game series. The team is feverishly trying to catch the Big Red for positioning in the western division.
"We need to get off the bus on Wednesday ready to take home two wins," sophomore Connor Einertson said. "Two wins will put us as a split with Denison. The focus and competitiveness is there with everyone on our team. It's just a matter of our pitching, defense and offense supporting each other."
Following the series at Denison, the Tigers will return home for a seven game home-stand beginning next weekend that will close out the regular season.