RICHMOND, Ind. – The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team hit the road Friday to take on Earlham. The Battling Bishops found life in the sixth, scoring two to knot the game at 2-2, but Earlham's five-run response proved the difference in a 9-2 defeat.

OWU drops to 1-2 in the early season, while the Quakers improve to 3-1. 

Earlham led off the second inning with a double, but a popout and groundout gave the Bishops hope of surviving the jam. However, another double allowed the runner to cross, putting Earlham up 1-0. A two-out double by Austin Biggin gave the Bishops an opportunity to tie things up in the third, but he was ultimately stranded after a groundout. In the bottom of the third, OWU gave up a lead off triple, but Parker Tomlin regained his composure and struck out back-to-back batters to strand the threat at third. 

Runners reached scoring position for both clubs in the fourth, though neither offense could capitalize, leaving the score unchanged. With two away in the fifth, the Quakers manufactured a key insurance run through back-to-back triples from Jonathon Jimenez and Evan Duncan. In the sixth, Michael Malone singled to left field to load the bases, causing Earlham to make a pitching change. Matt Spencer was unfazed by the fresh arm, roping one into center field to knot things at 2-2.

The Quakers responded in triumphant fashion, as a three-run home run started a nightmare of a sixth for the Bishops. After OWU recorded their first out, two hit-by-pitches and a double loaded the bases for the Quakers. Despite a clutch strikeout from Nate Hurley, a defensive miscue on a throwing error allowed two runs to score, extending the Earlham advantage to 7-2. 

OWU threatened in the top of the eighth, but failed to get a run across. In the bottom of the inning, the Quakers loaded the bases once again. Moments later, Noah Wagster singled to bring two more home, giving Earlham a 9-2 advantage. The Red and Back were unable to piece together a rally in the ninth, ultimately falling by a final of 9-2. 

THE NUMBERS
Parker Tomlin got the start, going five innings, giving up seven hits and two runs while striking out six. Nathan Hurley (1-1) came in relief, giving up six hits and five runs in two innings. Owen Tornow finished the game, allowing two hits and two runs over one inning. 

Matt Spencer led the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs along with a walk. 

Michael Malone also had two hits and drew a walk. 

Colton Moone was the only other Bishop with a multi-hit performance, going 2-for-5 and scoring once. 

Austin Biggin recorded a hit and a walk in four at-bats. 

Zane Vitense had one hit and scored a run. 

Jack Bates contributed one hit. 

UP NEXT
The Bishops and Quakers are back in action tomorrow for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for noon, followed by the second game at 3 p.m.