DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team hosted John Carroll University at Littick Field on Thursday. The Battling Bishops struck in the fourth inning with a three-run blast from Nik Hilton, which proved to be the difference as OWU outlasted JCU 3-2. Parker Tomlin was nearly perfect from the first pitch, going 7.1 innings, allowing only three hits and striking out a career-best eight batters. 

With the win, Ohio Wesleyan improves to 10-11 overall and secures its first NCAC victory, moving to 1-2 in conference play. John Carroll falls to 13-7 on the season, with a 2-1 mark in conference. 

Both the Bishops and Blue Streaks struggled offensively early on, as just two Ohio Wesleyan hits accounted for all the action in the first three innings. In the fourth, Michael Malone ignited a two-out rally with a single down the left field line. Nate Colyer was next, who drew a walk on just five pitches. With two on and two away, Nik Hilton ripped the first pitch he saw over the left field fence to give his squad a 3-0 advantage. 

John Carroll recorded their first hit in the top of the fifth, but Parker Tomlin quickly snuffed out the rally, forcing a groundout to end the inning. In the seventh, the Blue Streaks gained momentum after a single and hit batter put two on. However, Tomlin delivered for the Bishops once more, striking out the next batter to escape the jam before letting out a roar on his way back to the dugout.

Tomlin exited in the top of the eighth after crossing the 100-pitch mark, capping off a career night on the mound. John Carroll got on the board moments later, as an errant throw to third brought a runner across. The Blue Streaks tacked on another run before the end of the inning on an RBI double to make it 3-2. 

The Red and Black tallied two quick outs in the top of the ninth, but a hit-by-pitch put a runner on. The next batter sent a scare through the crowd with a long drive to left, but Brody Miller tracked it down to seal the 3-2 conference win.

THE NUMBERS
Parker Tomlin (W, 3-1) got the start, going 7.1 innings, giving up three hits while punching out a career-high eight batters. Hank Holman (S, 3) got the save, throwing the final 1.2 innings. 

Nik Hilton led the offensive charge, finishing 2-for-3 and tacking on three RBI after his three-run shot.

Michael Malone went 2-for-4 and scored once.

Colton Moone was the only other Bishop with a hit, recording one hit in four appearances.

Nate Colyer tallied one run scored.  

UP NEXT
The Bishops and Blue Streaks are back in action on Saturday at Littick Field. First pitch is set for noon.