Written March 18, 2010 by Dominic Porretta

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein played to a split in its home and season opener against Grove City Wednesday on Fishbaugh Field, losing the first game, 16-10, but rebounding with a 15-1 win in game two. The Cardinals followed with a 12-7 win at Ohio Wesleyan Thursday to put their record at 2-1 on the season.

In game one against Grove City, the Cardinals took a 10-7 lead into the top of the seventh and final inning.  However, it turned out to be a tumultuous inning for the Cardinal pitching staff as four different pitchers combined to give up nine runs, three walks, five hits, and two wild pitches. Sophomore Dustin Reuter (0-1), who started the seventh inning, took the loss for Otterbein.

Game two got off to a completely different note as the Cardinal bats put up ten runs in the bottom of the first inning, and never looked back in the 15-1 romp.

Junior Travis Stephens started the game, and allowed no runs on five hits in three innings of work.  He was relieved by junior John LaCorte (1-0), who pitched two innings of one-run baseball and was credited with the win.

Senior shortstop John Quimby connected for four home runs in the doubleheader.

The next day, the Cardinals traveled to Delaware to face the Battling Bishops in a nine-inning affair.  Otterbein’s bats were once again hot as they jumped out to a 10-2 lead after four innings.  The Bishops attempted to rally by scoring five runs in the bottom of the seventh, but the Cardinals held strong and added two security runs, making the final 12-7.

Freshman David Cydrus (1-0) started on the mound and went three innings, allowing two runs to get the win. 

Leading the charge offensively has been Quimby, who, after the first three games, is 10-for-13 with four home runs and 15 RBI’s.  Senior first basemen Brian Hiscox is 8-for-14 with two home runs and seven RBI’s.

The Cardinals are next scheduled to travel to Wilmington Friday for a non-league contest.  First pitch is set for 4 p.m.