MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – The EMU Baseball Team took a brief break from their ODAC schedule to take a trip to The Keystone State to face off with Messiah. Having already beat the Falcons at home earlier this season, the Royals sought a season sweep of the series. However, that did not come to fruition as the host Falcons won by the final score of 15-4.

Records: EMU 9-19, 4-12 ODAC | Messiah 20-12, 13-2 MAC Commonwealth

WP: Sawyer Shepherd (1-0)
LP:  Carter Cashin (0-2)

Highlights

• The Falcons flew out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning. They then added padding to their cushion with three runs in the third and two more runs in the fifth. As a result, Messiah took a 7-0 lead after five innings of play.
• Nick Arnold gave the Royals a much-needed boost in the top of the sixth, smashing a three-run home run over the fence in right center field. Arnold's team-leading sixth home run of the season drew EMU within four at 7-3. However, the Falcons got those three runs right back in the bottom of the frame, making the score Messiah 10, EMU 3 after six innings of play.
• After a scoreless seventh inning, the Falcons resumed their offense barrage in the bottom of the eighth with five more runs, all of which came on home runs.
• The Royals tacked on a run in the ninth inning thanks to a Josh Gjormand base hit to right field, but that was all they could muster before Messiah retired the side to end the game. 

Statistical Leaders
Arnold: 1-for-3, HR, run, 3 RBIs
J. Gjormand: 1-for-2, run, RBI

What's Next
EMU Baseball will not have long to dwell on this defeat. The Diamond Royals host Bridgewater in the Route 42 Rivalry tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16. First pitch from Royals Field is scheduled for 4 p.m.
 
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