For the Marian University Ancilla baseball team, they probably thought returning home from their Spring Break trip to the Orlando area would be exactly that...a trip "home". However, since last Sunday, the Chargers played five road games in an 8-day span, culminating in a tough 1-5 stretch following a 12-4 start to the season.

Yesterday, as the team played in Cicero, Illinois, against Morton College, they had a tough time with the Panthers in all facets, falling 16-2. Morton jumped out early, with 11 runs spread throughout the first 3 innings. Morton also got a strong performance from starting pitcher Sebastian Gutierrez, who pitched 4 strong innings, not allowing a run or even a hit, while only walking 1 batter. He struck out 7, including 6 of the first 7 batters he faced, helping the Panthers settle in quickly.

For the Chargers, they managed their first run in the top of the 5th inning, when Sophomore Matteo Lindia led off with a single and advanced to third base on a groundout by Freshman Diego Pettiford. Lindia then scored on a wild pitch to Freshman Cade Riley. The Chargers plated their second run the very next inning as Sophomore James Riddle led off with a walk, Sophomore Kennon Kemp was hit by a pitch, and then Sophomore Austin Hear hit a line drive single to right field, scoring Riddle. The Chargers advanced a runner past second base only one other time in the game. Freshman Jaden Franceschina (2-3) was credited with the loss.

Fortunately for the Chargers, they now get three days off before hosting a pair of home games later this week. Marian Ancilla baseball is back in action this Thursday, when they host Lansing Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. They then host Kalamazoo Valley Community College in another MCCAA matchup on Saturday. That start time is set for 1:00 p.m. ET. Please come out and support the Chargers!!