Eight innings would be all it took to play this afternoon's game, as a match-up between John Carroll University and Ohio Wesleyan lasted late into the evening.

Despite a difficult day on defense and the mound (four errors and six walk), JCU yet again relied on their high-powered offense to muscle out an intense game with the Battling Bishops. The Blue and Gold move to 11-4 on the season after an 11-6 win over OWU.

The Blue Streaks started the afternoon off strong with a three run first inning. Right off the bat, junior Aaron Zawadzki hit an RBI single past the shortstop, scoring Sam Heaton to provide JCU with the initial one run lead. Zawadzki's hit was his 100th hit in his collegiate career.

Freshman Justin Hanley continued his strong freshman season with a double to right field, scoring Zawadzki. Junior David Ferguson followed up Hanley's hit with a single, scoring junior Joe Charpentier. As a result, the Blue Streaks would finish the opening inning with five hits and three runs scored.

Ohio Wesleyan pulled their starting pitcher Colin Kennedy following the opening inning.

Starting on the mound for JCU was sophomore John Merrill and he started his day off satisfactory with a strikeout on the opening batter. His second faced batter would not be as favorable, as an error would lead to an unearned run later in the inning. Still, Merrill and John Carroll escaped the opening inning with a 3-1 lead.

Although the Blue and Gold only notched one hit and run in the second inning, they increased their lead back to three runs. They did leave two runners on base in the inning.

In the bottom of the second inning Merrill recorded two straight outs, figuring a quick end to the inning. However, the JCU defensive woes made themselves well apparent once again, as two miscues cost the Blue Streaks another run. 

Ohio Wesleyan pulled even closer in the third when a balk allowed a Battling Bishop baserunner to score from third.

As soon as the Blue Streaks thought they were losing their lead, Zawadzki put his team ahead by three runs once again. His 101st career hit was a ball he hit in the other direction for a two-run home run to left center field -- his first of the season. JCU's lead increased to 6-3.

John Carroll's fourth error in four innings would provoke a pitching change. Merrill's day was over after 3.1 innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and one earned run. He did record two strikeouts.

Sophomore Kasey Anzelec came in relief for Merrill with two men on base. He would only allow one run in the inning which came off a sacrifice fly, regardless of coming into a pitching jam.

After a serviceable fourth inning, the fifth was not as fortunate for JCU. While on the mound, Anzelec and the Blue Streaks watched their lead become erased. Sophomore Duncan Cappar was able to get the Blue Streaks out of a bases loaded jam, recording two outs. Ohio Wesleyan did tie the game up at six a piece.

Senior Dominic Mittiga ended a hitless fourth and fifth innings with an RBI single knocking in Heaton, as the Blue Streaks regained the 7-6 advantage in the top of the sixth. JCU would increase their lead to 8-6 after scoring on a bases loaded walk.

The Blue and Gold added three insurance runs in the eighth inning and relieved by a job well done by Cappar. He pitched 3.1 innings, holding the Battling Bishops to just one hit and one walk and struck out four batters. He retired 10 of 12 batters effectively.

On the offensive end, Zawadzki led the way with three RBIs on two hits. Hanley and Ferguson added two RBIs themselves. The lead-off man, Keohane recorded three hits.

The Blue Streaks will head back down I-71 for their next matchup which will come on Saturday, March 23 in form of a doubleheader. JCU will open conference play against Capital in Bexley, Ohio.