Lima, OH – All winning streaks eventually come to an end, but suffering back-to-back losses against a conference opponent makes it sting even more. The Saints struggled on the mound and at the plate on Saturday, dropping both games of their doubleheader to Northwestern Ohio, 12-3 and 12-1.

Game 1: UNOH 12, Aquinas 3

Despite collecting 13 hits, Aquinas couldn't overcome its pitching struggles in the opener. The Saints found themselves in an early hole after allowing five runs in the first three innings, and a seven-run fifth by the Racers put the game out of reach.

Aquinas got on the board in the second inning when Chase Robinson launched a solo home run to right field. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI double from Ramsey Bousseau and a third in the fifth after Grant Martin's RBI single plated Dylan Nguyen.

The Saints had opportunities throughout, but UNOH capitalized on 13 walks and five hit batters from Aquinas pitchers. Cameron Gross (1-2) took the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) on two hits in 2.2 innings. Offensively, JT LaMange led the Saints with three hits, while Nguyen, Robinson, and Dawson Shearer each had multi-hit performances.

Game 2: UNOH 12, Aquinas 1

Game two quickly got away from the Saints as UNOH erupted for seven runs in the first inning. Aquinas struggled to generate offense, recording just two hits in the game. Their lone run came in the seventh inning when Drew Mitchell scored on a fielding error.

Ethan Bowen (1-3) took the loss, giving up seven earned runs on five hits and three walks in just one inning. The Saints' pitching staff combined to hit 10 batters in the contest, further adding to their struggles.

UNOH's Nick Matheson delivered a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Brayden Lybarger (4-1) earned the win for the Racers, striking out eight over 6.2 innings.

Inside the Numbers:

• Aquinas outhit UNOH 13-6 in Game 1 but left 14 runners on base.
• Chase Robinson's solo homer was his first of the season.
• The Saints' pitching staff allowed a combined 23 free passes (walks and hit batters) across both games.
• JT LaMange went 3-for-4 in the opener, collecting his first three-hit game of the year.
• UNOH's Matheson homered in both games, driving in a total of four runs.
• Aquinas pitchers hit 10 batters in Game 2 alone, contributing to a season-high 13 total free bases allowed in a single game.

Coach's Comments:

Head Coach Chris LaMange reflected on a frustrating day for the Saints:  "Tough first game today – we had 13 hits, made zero errors, only allowed six hits, but lost 12-3. Thirteen walks and ten hit batters by our pitching staff – you just can't win games when you do that on the mound. Disappointing day for us, but we need to bounce back tomorrow and play fundamental baseball to get back on track."

Up Next:

The Saints return home looking to bounce back on Sunday morning against Olivet. Aquinas and the Comets will square off in a pair of seven-inning games starting at 11:00 AM on March 23. The doubleheader will be streamed on the AQ YouTube channel, with Director of Athletics Joey Sutherlin providing play-by-play commentary.