Wingate, N.C. – The University of Findlay baseball team wrapped up its trip to North Carolina on Tuesday, Feb. 17, falling to the host Wingate University Bulldogs by a score of 15-4 at Ron Christopher Stadium. The loss in the trip finale drops the Oilers to 1-3 on the season, while Wingate improves to 7-4.

The Oilers jumped out to a quick start in the opening frame. After senior Casey Maruniak singled to reach base, junior Luke Senften launched a two-run home run to right field, giving Findlay an early 2-0 advantage.

However, the tide turned in the bottom of the third inning when the Wingate offense exploded. The Bulldogs plated eight runs in the frame to take a commanding lead. Findlay attempted to chip away in the fourth inning when senior Nick Palm delivered an RBI single up the middle to score sophomore Mason Myers, cutting the deficit to 8-3. Wingate responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning with a three-run home run by Ben Karpowicz, extending their lead to 11-3.

Despite the deficit, junior Dylan Rouse provided stability out of the bullpen for the Oilers. Rouse entered the game in the fourth inning and tossed 3.0 scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters to settle the game down in the middle innings.

The Oilers added a run in the seventh inning on a solo home run to left-center field by senior Gavyn Smith. Wingate capped the scoring in the eighth with a two-run homer by Jordan Dixon and an RBI groundout, bringing the final score to 15-4.

Offensively, Luke Senften led the charge with his two-run homer. Gavyn Smith finished 1-for-5 with a solo home run , while Nick Palm went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Starting pitcher David Jimenez pitched well in his short outing, tossing 2.0 scoreless and hitless innings while striking out three batters.

Findlay is back in action on Friday, February 20 when they head to Lebanon, Illinois for a series with McKendree.