FORT MYERS,FL (March 20, 2016) – Millikin University scored three runs in the sixth and seventh innings to erase a 5-0 deficit of game two, as the Vassar College baseball team dropped both ends of a non-conference doubleheader with the Big Blue with scores of 5-0 in eight innings and 6-5.

Millikin 5, Vassar 0 (8 innings)
The Big Blue posted five runs in the first inning of extra frames, as the pitching for Millikin (4-1) held Vassar scoreless over the eight inning affair. In the frame, the big blow came from Mason Bruce, who posted a one-out, three-run triple down the left field line to break the game open.

Vassar had some chances in the ball game to get on the board, but couldn't push a run across. The best chance came in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Eric Strickland started the frame with a ringing triple to right center. Senior Cory Wuenschell reached back after being hit by a pitch to set up runners at first and third, but Millikin reliever John Fisher induced a strikeout and a double play ball to get out of the jam.

VC also had runners at second and third in the bottom of the second inning, after Matt Hernandez and Wuenschell reached on throwing errors. Phillip Ganley, the MU starter, was able to get out of the jam though with a strikeout.

The loss spoiled a great start from Vassar starter Adam Erkis, who went six innings while allowing just two hits and no runs, walking four. Erkis has not allowed an earned run through his first two starts, spanning 12 innings of work for VC.

Junior Denis Shanagher posted two hits and a stolen base for the Brewers, while Alex Hartnett came off the bench to reach base in his two plate appearances. Strickland's triple was his team-leading second, and Bobby Kinne was 1-for-2 with a stolen base before leaving the contest in the third.

Millikin 6, Vassar 5
Millkin University rallied with six runs over the final two innings, including scoring three in the bottom of the seventh to come back, as the game ended on a strikeout wild pitch, which allowed two runs to come around.

Vassar College jumped out in front early on in the game, plating four runs in the top of the fourth. Hartnett singled to start the frame, and was plated by an RBI triple from senior Brooks English. Senior Nick Johnson doubled off the center field wall to score English, followed by the second three-bagger of the inning from Strickland to plate Johnson. The sophomore second baseman would come around a batter later, as Wuenschell made the score 4-0 with a sacrifice fly.

Vassar added to its lead in the sixth inning, as Matt Schwartz blasted the first pitch that MU reliever Jared Buzan tossed over the left field wall for his first collegiate homer. For Vassar, it was the fourth homer of the spring, which already doubled the total from all of last season.

The lead of five would hold up until Millikin got on the board in the bottom of the third, as Jake Stanton connected on a three-run homer to pull the Big Blue to within two at 5-3. That set up the rally in the seventh for Millikin, as Joey DiLeo started the inning with a double. He was scored by Luke Azzarelli later in the inning to bring MU to within one.

On the last play of the game, reliever Robert Winkelmann struck out Jon Walters, but the pitch got away which allowed the runner from third to scamper home. The throw to try to get Walters at first was high, and Devin Crews came around to score the winning run.

Vassar starter Trent Berg was very effective, allowing just four hits and three runs, all coming on the one swing by Stanton. Berg also struck out seven batters over his 5.2 innings on the hill Sunday. Strickland finished with three hits in game two, while Johnson had a pair of doubles to up his season total to four. Johnson needs seven more two-baggers to become the all-time leader at VC.

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The Brewers (3-6) will be off for four days before opening Liberty League play Friday morning at Terry Lane Park Stadium against St. Lawrence University at 9 a.m. for a conference doubleheader.