NORTH CANTON, Ohio – The Kentucky Wesleyan baseball team (26-22, 16-14 G-MAC) suffered two defeats to begin the series versus Walsh on Thursday.
After a scoreless first three frames in Game 1, the Cavaliers scored four runs in the fourth inning to grab firm control.
Wesleyan was able to get two runs back in the top of the sixth. Jacob Riegel, the reigning G-MAC South Division Player of the Week, singled with one out to set up Ratliff. The outfielder took advantage with a two-run home run, his sixth of the season, to pull the Panthers within two at 4-2.
Walsh (24-21, 19-11 G-MAC) scored one run in both the sixth and the seventh innings to account for the rest of the scoring in the opening game, ultimately prevailing 6-2.
Weston Miller had a strong relief appearance, recording a scoreless inning pitched by putting the Cavaliers down in order.
Riegel and Ellis Hurt each had two hits at the plate to add to Ratliff's home run.
Walsh was firing on all cylinders in Game 2. The home team logged two runs in the second, one in the third, and five in the sixth in their eventual 8-1 win.
Tucker Hagan accounted for Wesleyan's only run with a solo shot in the top of the seventh, his second of the campaign.
The Panthers will look to turn the page in their final two regular season games tomorrow, Friday, May 1st, against the Cavaliers at 12:00 PM. Both games will be streamed live on FloCollege.
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