DAVENPORT, Fla. - The Elmhurst University baseball team faced off against Carleton on Monday, and despite a strong offensive effort in the middle innings, Elmhurst ultimately fell short, losing 9-5.

Elmhurst collected eight hits on the day, with second baseman Tommy Wichgers leading the offense, going 3-for-4. Jaden Mitchell and Evan Johnson each recorded an RBI, while Rock Smith added a double. The pitching staff combined for five strikeouts but allowed three home runs, which proved to be the difference.

Carleton got on the board early with a first-inning run. Elmhurst's starter, Charlie Smith, allowed a solo home run but minimized the damage. The game remained close through the first three innings, with Carleton adding three more runs in the third. Elmhurst responded in the fourth inning, as Adan Nieves and Erik Malott helped push across a run, cutting the deficit to 4-1.

The Bluejays made their biggest push in the fifth, plating three runs to tighten the game at 5-4. However, Carleton answered immediately in the bottom half with two runs of their own. A three-run sixth inning for Carleton widened the gap to 9-4, as S. Chutkow delivered a two-run homer.

Elmhurst continued to battle, adding a late run in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to overcome Carleton's lead. The Bluejays struggled defensively, committing six errors, which contributed to their struggles in keeping the game within reach.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays take on Union College at 9:00 a.m. CT tomorrow (March 25) morning in Winter Haven, Fla.

FOLLOW THE BLUEJAYS

Be sure to keep up with all Elmhurst University Athletics content by following the Bluejays on Twitter (@elmhurstbluejay), Facebook (Elmhurst University Athletics) and Instagram (@elmhurstbluejays), and tune in to elmhurstbluejays.com for the latest news and information.