Elgin, IL - The Bluejays hosted a conference match up this Saturday at Hoffer Field, splitting a double header with Carroll University. The Bluejays came back in the second game with experience with a final score of 12-10 holding the Pioneers to the end.
Game 1
Carroll 6, Elmhurst 2
W: Tyler Fredrick L: Landon Banaszynski (2-3)
Elmhurst recorded eight hits but was unable to convert enough offense, falling to Carroll while stranding eight runners and producing just two runs on the day.
The Bluejays found contributions throughout the lineup, tallying eight total hits across 33 at-bats. Zach Konrad led the way with a two-hit performance and one run, while Brett Vercruysse also added two hits. Adan Nieves and Evan Johnson each tallied a hit at the top of the lineup.
Elmhurst's two runs came from Konrad and Raffi Torosian, with Javier Cervantes driving in both RBI's in the afternoon. The Bluejays pushed runners on base with three walks and consistent contact, although the Bluejays were unable to string together timely hits, leaving multiple scoring opportunities unfinished.
On the mound, Landon Banaszynski took the loss after working 6.0 innings, allowing 10 hits and four earned runs while striking out six. Robert Brenneman followed with 2.0 innings of relief, adding three strikeouts, and David Diaz closed the game with a scoreless inning, allowing no hits and striking out one.
Game 2
Elmhurst 12, Carroll 10
W: Logan Leach (2-2) L: Ben Olsen S: Marty Fraga (5)
HR: E. Johnson
Elmhurst held their lead from the beginning with a single tying moment and took over in their sixth inning rally to secure a 12-10 win over Carroll, in a tight game late.
The game swung early and often, with both teams trading runs across the first four innings. Elmhurst put up runs in the first, third, and fourth innings, Carroll answering each time, including a six-run fourth that shifted momentum for the Bluejays.
That rally came in the sixth inning, where Elmhurst exploded for five runs to take control. The inning was highlighted by Evan Johnson, who knocked a two-run home run earlier in the game and finished with two RBIs, tying the game 9-9. Brett Vercruysse followed with a double to keep the pressure on. After a pitching change, the Bluejays continued to capitalize. A pinch-hit double from Timothy O'Connell set up an RBI double by Colin Adams to give Elmhurst the lead, and Logan Bryant added another RBI double to extend it. Tommy Wichgers later delivered an RBI single capping off the rally, as Elmhurst turned the game into a 12-9 advantage with a relentless string of hits. Wrapping up the Bluejays were able to secure the win 12-10.
Elmhurst's offense was aggressive on the basepaths, recording four stolen bases from Johnson, Vercruysse, Javier Cervantes, and Oliver Dugas. That pressure complemented a 14-hit performance at the plate, with multiple contributors throughout the lineup sustaining scoring opportunities.
On the mound, Logan Leach earned the win with 3.1 innings of relief, allowing three runs while striking out two. Marty Fraga closed the door with two scoreless innings to secure his fifth save of the season. Elmhurst brings their record to 4-7, looking to take down more conference matchups along the way.
The Bluejays return to the diamond hosting The Big Blue at Wheaton April 19th, for a 3:00 pm first pitch.
