Scarlet Hawks Lose to La Verne University

LA VERNE, CA - The Men's Baseball began there California Spring Break Trip with against the Leopards of La Verne University. The Hawks were able to put two quick runs on the board in the top of the first inning on and RBI double by Thomas Hotz (Cedar Rapids, IA) followed by an RBI single by Kyle Guglielmo (Castroville, CA).

After the La Verne pushed two runs across in the bottom half of the second inning the Scarlet Hawks came right back in the top of the third scoring three runs; two of which coming on an double by Bill O'Toole (Evergreen Park, IL). Offensively the Scarlet Hawks were led by Thomas Hotz who went 4 for 5 with 2 RBI's and a solo homerun on the top half of the ninth inning. Jesse Stepniewski (Skokie, IL) went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a walk. Two crucial errors in the fourth and fifth innings led to La Verne scoring 6 runs. The Scarlet Hawks battled back, as they compiled 11 hits, though lost the game with a final score of 9-8. Branden Schombert (Lockridge, IA) went 4 2/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs. Freshman Nick Wise (Mendota, IL) came in relief going 3 1/3 innings only giving up 1 earned run. The Hawks will continue their West Coast Trip where they will take on #15 ranked California Lutheran tomorrow at 2:30.