Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Otterbein University kicked off its 2013 season with a doubleheader split against Ohio Christian University Monday afternoon, winning 14-0 before falling 7-5 in the second outing at VA Memorial Stadium.

Game one was scoreless after two innings, but the Cardinals posted four runs in the third after RBI from Billy Harkenrider and Wes Meadows, and a two-RBI double from Thomas Linder.

Otterbein blew the game open in the next inning, seeing the first five batters reach base successfully en route to five more runs.

The run support would be more than enough for the Cardinal pitching staff. Otterbein used a committee of five pitchers throughout the game, yielding just two hits and three walks.

Jimmy Waterwash hit 3 of 4 in the opener, while Linder and catcher Chad Webster combined to hit 4 for 7 with five RBI and four runs scored.

Otterbein carried the momentum over with three runs in the first inning of game two, but Ohio Christian answered with three runs in its first at-bat as well.

The Trailblazers struck with three more runs in the third frame, and carried a 7-4 lead into the top of the sixth.

The Cardinals posted one run to begin and loaded the bases with one out, but unfortunately left the bags loaded with a strikeout and popup to the pitcher on the next two chances.

Matt Frey kept OCU at bay in the bottom of the sixth, but Otterbein ultimately came up short in its final at-bat.

Linder hit 1 for 3 with a pair of RBI in the game, while freshman Terrell Dorsey went 2 for 4 with a run scored.

The Cards return to action Saturday afternoon, traveling back to Chillicothe for a doubleheader with Wabash College. Starting time is set for noon.