Baseball opens 2015 campaign with a doubleheader split against Widener (Pa.)

By: Ashley Birchmeier

FORT MEYERS, Fla. - Ohio Northern Baseball team opened its 2015 campaign with a split doubleheader against Widener (Pa.) in Fort Meyers Sunday afternoon.

The Polar Bears are 1-1 on the season, while Widener moves to 1-2 overall.

Both games were seven innings with ONU taking the first game 1-0 and falling in the second game 3-2.

In game 1, junior Nick Eltzroth threw a 3-hit shutout, striking out seven.

Senior Jack LaMarca singled in the top of the sixth to drive in senior Brady Foley and score the games only run in route to the 1-0 victory.

Ohio Northern took an early 1-0 lead in game 2 as junior Nick Guitar hit a single to center field in the bottom of the second that scored senior Dan Belliveau.

Widener responded in the top of the seventh as Paul Shepard was able to reach first on a third strike drop ball advancing Kyle Lowery to second.

Greg McDonough then tripled for Widener driving in three runs and putting Widener on top 3-1.

Ohio Northern was able to plate one run in the bottom of the seventh as Belliveau was able to score on a Guitar fielders choice.

Widener was able to retire Ohio Northern junior Clay Small to hold on 3-2.

The Polar Bears are next in action Monday at 1 pm as they take on Northland, Wisc. in Fort Meyers.