Canton, OH-- The Malone University baseball team sought to end their season at home on a high note, hosting a doubleheader against their rivals, Walsh. They did just that, securing two big wins over a good Cavaliers team.

Following the first game, the Pioneers held a special ceremony to recognize Junior players TJ Curry and Anthony Ryan. Both received the prestigious Bob Starcher Scholarship for their outstanding achievements both academically and athletically.

Additionally, Malone University honored Associate Athletic Director and Compliance Coordinator, John Russell, who had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.


The Essentials

• Game 1: Malone 7 - Walsh 6
• Game 2: Malone 3 - Walsh 2
• Records: Malone (8-35, 5-23 G-MAC) | Walsh (23-16, 14-10 G-MAC)
• Location: Canton, Ohio | Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium

Game One
The game started off with Walsh taking an early lead in the top of the second inning. A series of well-executed hits led to two runs. However, Malone quickly responded in the bottom of the third inning. With the bases loaded, Jordan Stevens came through with a clutch double, driving in three runs to tie the game at 3-3.

Malone continued to shift the momentum in the bottom of the fifth inning. Devin Brown's 3 RBI double propelled the Pioneers to a commanding 7-4 victory.  During the 6th inning, a contentious moment unfolded when Walsh's home run, initially deemed foul, was swiftly overturned to fair, granting the Cavaliers two crucial runs.

Coach Crank's dissatisfaction with the call escalated, resulting in his ejection from the game. The controversial call fired up the Malone dugout, rallying the team's spirit.

Senior Michael Paljich then entered the game and slammed the door shut in the top of the seventh inning, helping Malone secure the win.

Game
Game Two proved to be another fantastic game for the Pioneers! The early innings saw both teams struggling to generate much offense, with stellar pitching and solid defense keeping the score at a deadlock.

Malone managed to break the silence in the bottom of the third inning, capitalizing on RBIs from Chris Munoz and Zach Flohr. 

However, Walsh quickly responded in the top of the fifth inning, stringing together timely hits to tie the game at 2-2, The back-and-forth action continued in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Malone regained the lead with an RBI triple from JC Philippi, bringing in a run.

The Cavaliers fought back once again in the top of the sixth inning, but solid pitching from Malone's relievers prevented them from capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Once again, Michael Paljich was called upon to close out the game, and he delivered impeccably, securing his third save of the season for the Pioneers.

Details

• Michael Paljich recorded 2 saves on the day.
• Devin Brown finished 2-5 (.400) between both games, with 3 RBI, and 1 run scored
• Chris Munoz hit 3-7 (.429) across both games, with 2 runs scored, and an RBI
• Jordan Stevens collected 2 hits overall, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored
• JC Philippi hit a 3RBI triple in game one
• Pitchers Broc Pickens and Ayden Hall each collected their first wins of the season

What's Next
Malone will be right back in action tomorrow at Notre Dame College. First pitch is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM

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