Rockford, MI — In the midst of an impressive conference run, Aquinas Head Coach Chris LaMange scheduled a neighborhood non-conference match-up with Calvin on Wednesday afternoon—a one-game, nine-inning contest at Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford.

The midweek tilt was an opportunity to get everyone involved—pitchers and hitters alike—without the pressure of standings implications. That didn't mean the Saints were okay with losing, just that development and reps took precedence over the result.

Calvin 11, Aquinas 9 (10 Innings)

Aquinas baseball went toe-to-toe with visiting Calvin in a wild, seesaw affair on Wednesday evening at Meijer Sports Complex, but ultimately came up short in extra innings, falling 11-9 in 10 frames.

The Saints (21-21) erased an early deficit with a five-run fourth inning and nearly pulled off a miracle in the bottom of the 10th. But Calvin (17-11) used a five-run outburst in the top half of the final inning to build just enough of a cushion to escape with the win.

Calvin struck first on an RBI single by M. Hensler in the top of the opening frame, but Aquinas quickly answered. Kasy Shadduck delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home Stephen Weinert and tie the game at 1-1.

Trailing 4-1 in the fourth, Aquinas ignited a rally. A bases-loaded walk drawn by Weinert plated one, followed by a clutch 2-RBI single from Dylan Nguyen to even things at 4-4. Two more runs scored during a double steal and a Calvin throwing error, putting AQ up 6-4.

The Knights responded in the sixth, tying the game on Jaworowsk's two-run double to make it 6-6. From there, both bullpens dug in and kept things even until the decisive 10th inning.

Calvin broke through with five runs in the top of the frame—sparked by a triple, an RBI single, and a steal of home—then capped the rally with a two-run single to take an 11-6 lead.

But Aquinas refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the 10th, Austin Deller ripped a 2-RBI single, and Jon Popp followed with an RBI single to bring the Saints within two. With the tying run on base, Calvin's N. Etnyre shut the door, recording the final outs to seal the game and earn the win.

Nguyen paced the Saints with two hits and two RBIs, while Deller came off the bench to drive in a pair. Aquinas racked up 10 hits, drew seven walks, but left 11 runners stranded and committed four costly errors.

Aquinas took full advantage of the midweek match-up to showcase its pitching depth, utilizing 10 different arms over 10 innings. Mark Kalahar opened the game, striking out two and allowing one run in the first inning. Aaron Moore followed with a clean second, recording a strikeout and surrendering just one hit. Kaleb Mitchelson allowed a run in the third but limited the damage with quick outs. Hudson Lubbers worked the fourth, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits. Grant Martin was solid in the fifth, holding Calvin scoreless while striking out one. Sam Pollack ran into control issues in the sixth, walking three and allowing two earned runs, despite striking out two. Blake Waibel rebounded with a scoreless seventh, hitting one batter but keeping Calvin off the board. Christopher Steffan continued the trend with a clean eighth inning, giving up one hit while recording a strikeout. Caden Gregory entered in the ninth and pitched into the 10th, but was tagged with the loss after surrendering five runs (four earned) on four hits. Aaron Hileman finished the frame, retiring both batters he faced, including a strikeout. In total, the Saints' staff combined for 11 strikeouts and just four earned runs over 10 innings, gaining valuable experience in a competitive outing.

Caden Gregory took the loss for Aquinas. Etnyre earned the win in relief for Calvin.

The Saints return to action on Friday, hosting UM-Dearborn in a key WHAC matchup as they look to bounce back and gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Coach's Comments:
Head Coach Chris LaMange got right to the point after the extended midweek battle:

"Good chance today to get 10 pitchers down, work on the mound, along with 21 different players getting an at-bat. Now we focus on another big weekend in WHAC play."

Up Next
Aquinas returns to conference action on Friday when they host UM-Dearborn at Meijer Sports Complex. The Good Friday doubleheader begins at 1:00 PM, with game two starting approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener. Both games will stream live on the AQ Saints YouTube channel, with Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin on the call.

On Saturday, the Saints will travel to Ohio to take on Defiance, with game times matching Friday's schedule. For more information, stats, recaps, and all AQ Athletics news and updates, visit www.aqsaints.com.