Rio topples Ohio Christian in series finale

Rio Grande Sports Information
     RIO GRANDE, Ohio - The University of Rio Grande parlayed a pair of three-run innings into a comfortable lead and then held on late to post an 8-5 win over Ohio Christian University, Saturday afternoon, in River States Conference baseball action at Bob Evans Field.
     The RedStorm, who were swept by the Trailblazers in Friday's doubleheader between the two squads, improved to 13-23 overall and 5-10 in the RSC with the victory.
     Ohio Christian dropped to 10-20 overall and 7-8 in league play.
     Rio Grande scored three times in both the fourth and sixth innings to build a 6-1 lead and then added two more markers in the seventh inning for an 8-2 advantage.
     The Trailblazers made things a bit more respectable with two runs in the eighth inning and another run in the ninth to set the final score.
     Senior Darius Jordan (Minford, OH) finished 2-for-3 with three runs batted in for Rio, contributing a two-run double in the three-run sixth and an RBI single in the two-run seventh.
     Sophomore Josh Whent (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada) also had two hits, including a double, in the winning effort for the RedStorm, while freshman Samuel Colina (Maracaibo, Venezuela) added a double of his own and freshman Omar Chirinos (Santa Rita City, Venezuela) and sophomore Darwin Oleaga (Boston, MA) also drove in one run each.
     Junior Justin Anaya (Brownsville, TX) started and picked up his second win in six decisions, allowing four hits and as many runs over 7-1/3 innings.
     Sophomore Hayden Simon (Stouffville, Ontario, Canada) collected his fourth save, allowing three hits and a run over 1-2/3 innings.
     Ross Donaldson suffered the loss for Ohio Christian after surrendering five hits and six runs - four earned - over 5-2/3 innings.
     Benjamin Sterritt had two hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs for the Trailblazers, while Carter Smith doubled and drove in a run and Caleb Haller added a double of his own.
     Weather permitting, Rio Grande is scheduled to return to action on Tuesday when it hosts Wilberforce University in a non-conference tilt.
     First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.