Rockford, Mich – The Saints took on the Cardinals in a doubleheader matchup that resulted in a split. Game one was a tough match up with the Cardinals scoring six and the Saints scoring four. Aquinas stayed with them throughout the game, but ultimately couldn't quite close the gap.
In game two, the Saints came out revving their engines as they surpassed the Cardinals early. The Cardinals were able to fight their way back in the contest until the Saints pulled away and never slowed down.
Nathan Wilcox was a large factor as he hit a two-run home run in game two.
This moves the Saints to 13-17 on the season and 5-7 in conference play after today's contests.
Game 1: Concordia 6, Aquinas 4 (7 Innings)
The Saints got off to a quiet start in the first game of this doubleheader. AQ wasn't able to get a run on the leaderboard until the third inning. However, the Cardinals rang in two runs in the first inning and two in the second.
In the top of the third inning, Connor Gausselin shut down all scoring with a three up, three down inning. In the bottom of the third,
Ryan Gillings started the run for the Saints with a single through the left side.
Ramsey Bousseau was hit by a pitch to move Gillings.
Nicolas Verdugo moved both runners on a bunt single that loaded the bases.
Mark Binkowski made it to first and then second on an error by the right fielder that scored Gillings. Bousseau attempted to score with a close call and an out at the plate. Wilcox then had a sacrifice fly that scored Verdugo, reducing the deficit to two runs.
The Saints had another good inning in the fourth.
JD Gillies doubled down the left-field line, nearly to the fence. Gillings was walked right before Bousseau singled to right field, scoring Gillies and moving Gillings' pinch runner,
Jayden Timmer, to third. Bousseau threw in a stolen base before the inning finished.
Gausselin retired the side again with two strikeouts and things were quiet on both sides until the Cardinals rang in two more runs in the top of the seventh, with one of those being a home run. The Saints fought hard in the seventh scoring once more before the game was up.
Verdugo rang in the first hit with one up the middle and then advanced on a wild pitch. With the help of an error on the shortstop, Wilcox was able to push Verdugo in to bring the final score to Concordia 6, Aquinas 4.
Game 2: Aquinas 13, Concordia 4
The Cardinals got an early jump on the game once again, scoring one in the first inning. The Saints did not let this go uncontested. They quadrupled the Cardinal's offensive output. With a double from Bousseau the Saints were already in scoring position.
Verdugo singled on a bunt that put Bousseau on third and then stole second. Binkowski reached first on a dropped fly ball that scored Bousseau.
Grant Martin walked to load the bases and Gillings ripped a double out to left-center, totaling three RBIs.
Concordia was the next to score but was held off until the third. They scored one in the third and another in the fourth. This put the Saints up 4-3. This lasted half an inning before the Cardinals added another run in the fifth to tie.
AQ got the offense rolling in the sixth frame. With Timmer and
Dawson Shearer walking, Aquinas already had two runners on base with no outs. Bousseau made it to first on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on an error that followed. Shearer got thrown out while Timmer was able to capitalize and reach home on the error.
A Verdugo single brought in Bousseau. Binkowski and Wilcox both earned singles to load up the bases. After a pitching change,
Chase Ingersoll singled, bringing in Binkowski and Verdugo.
AQ rang in five more runs in the eighth. Verdugo was hit by a pitch to get on base before stealing second. Binkowski booted in a single that brought Verdugo to third. Binkowski's pinch runner,
Owen Graves, stole second and then advanced to third on a failed pickoff attempt that sent Verdugo home.
A home run down the left-field line by Wilcox brought in two more runs.
Drew Mitchell singled to the shortstop and then was thrown out in a fielder's choice, leaving Ingersoll at first. Gillings tallied another single that moved Ingersoll to third.
Landon Mueller ran for Gillings and stole second but was able to advance to third on an error by the catcher, which also scored Ingersoll.
Timmer joined on base after being hit with a pitch and was able to steal second as well. Shearer then hit one to the second baseman, getting out but not before Mueller made it in. This rounded off the scoring for the game with the final being Aquinas 13, Concordia 4.
By the Numbers
The Saints hit well in both games. Wilcox hit the only home run for AQ. Bousseau, Verdugo, Gillings, Binkowski, and Gillies all added doubles to help the Saints along the way. The Saints also picked up plenty of stolen bases: Timmer (3), Verdugo (2), Wilcox (2), Graves (1), Mueller (1), and Bousseau (1).
Up Next
Saints take on the Concordia Cardinals at Dewitt Field tomorrow (April 7). The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
