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WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Cardinals started with a bang and ended up settling for a split Wednesday afternoon in conference play, defeating Ohio Northern 10-1 in the opener at Fishbaugh Field before a tough 8-4 decision in the rematch.

Otterbein now stands 22-9 overall and 7-5 within OAC play, while the Polar Bears remain slightly ahead in the league standings at 20-10, 8-4.

GAME ONE RECAP:

• The Cardinals received a complete-game gem on the mound by freshman Andrew Nemec, who held a one-hitter in the middle innings and ultimately allowed just three the entire day. He needed just one strikeout to get the job done.
   
• Otterbein plated four runs in the first inning and nearly blew the doors open with more. Jamie Perebzak had a 2-RBI single up the gut before Gavin Thompson did the same moments later.
   
• Another four-piece combo ensued in the fourth inning on the home side. Zac Taylor had a leadoff single, Ryan Grant moved him over with a perfect sac bunt, Brayden Carter singled as the lineup turned over, and Perebzak eventually smoked a curving 2-RBI double down the left-field line.
   
• ONU's only run came in the eighth frame on a two-out double that snuck inside the right-field line.
   
• Perebzak was 4 for 5 in the contest, driving in four runs and scoring another four himself. Thompson moved the baseball nicely with RBI coming on a hit, groundout and sac fly.
   

GAME TWO RECAP:

• The Cardinals weren't able to get as much going offensively in the late afternoon session against ONU starter Blake Altaffer, improving to a 5-0 record this spring with a quality seven-inning performance.
   
• Ohio Northern won the game with timely, two-out hitting that begin with a pair in the fourth on a double. The Polar Bears then scored all four runs in the sixth inning with two outs as well.
   
• Otterbein had 11 hits on the day and tried its best to claw back from a 7-1 hole. The Cards plated two in the bottom of the sixth as Gavin Wolf rocketed a 2-RBI double into the alley of right-center.
   
• An 8-3 deficit was presented in the ninth but Otterbein kept things interesting, beginning with Brayden Quincel launching his second home run of the game way beyond the left-field fence.
• The tying run was then at the plate (with two outs and bases loaded) before a fly ball ended the day.
   
• Quincel now leads the conference with 10 home runs on the season. Braydon McCloskey allowed just one run over the final 3.1 innings of relief in trying to keep his team within striking distance.
   
• Tim Knapschaefer earned a save for the visitors after entering late to get the last batter of the day.

 
UP NEXT:

* Baldwin Wallace, atop the league and ranked No. 5 nationally in the latest poll, is scheduled to visit town on Saturday. Inclement weather may play a factor, so please stay tuned for ongoing updates.