CAROL STREAM, Ill. - The Elmhurst baseball team dropped a 2-1 contest to North Central College in the final game of a three-game series. 

Elmhurst fell to 8-17 overall and 2-10 in the CCIW with the loss while North Central improved to 18-7 overall and 8-3 in league play. 

Hits were at a premium in the contest as the team's combined for just seven hits in the contest. 

The Cardinals jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning after taking advantage of a hit batter and an Elmhurst error to plate an unearned run. 

The Bluejays pulled even at 1-1 in the sixth inning. With one on and one out, Drew Raspolich singled to move Trevor Lorek to third. Lorek scored one batter later on Tyler Kledzik's fielder's choice. 

The tie did not last long though as North Central took advantage of three walks in the bottom of the sixth to retake the lead on a Ryan Scott sacrifice fly. 

Elmhurst had one last chance in the top of the ninth, putting runners on first and second with one out, but a double-play ended the threat and the contest. 

Raspolich recorded two of Elmhurst's four hits in the loss. 

Jay Palmer made the start and took the loss for Elmhurst. Palmer worked five plus innings, allowing three hits and two runs (one earned). Jason Shanner picked up the win for the Cardinals by tossing 8.1 innings and scattering four hits and one run. Shanner struck out eight in the win for the Cardinals.

Elmhurst hosts Aurora University on Wednesday, April 17.