Wabash picked up two runs in the first two innings on the way toa 4-1 victory in Saturday's home opener against Clarke College, but went scoreless in the nightcap in a 7-0 loss to the Crusaders.
Sophomore Chris Schmaltz (left) picked up his third victory of the season with a complete game six-hitter. The righthander struck out eight while walking only one of the 26 batters he faced.
The Little Giants scored early for Schmaltz, picking up a run in the first when David Culp opened the game with a line shot off the third baseman's glove, eventually scoring on a double steal after a Mike Nowak sacrifice and Billy King single.
Wabash picked up another run in the third inning. Chris Sides smashed a one-out double to right center, scoring four batters later when Scott Hamilton induced a bases-loaded, two-out walk for the RBI. The Little Giants added two more runs in the sixth inning, loading the bases with no one out to start the inning. Two consecutive errors by the Clarke pitcher on a Nowak bunt and smash by Jared Bogan up the middle brought home Hamilton and Culp.
Culp, Nowak, and shortshop Matt Dodaro each had two hits in the win for the Little Giants. King, Bogan, Sides, and Shaun Rico each added one base hit, as well.
Wabash needed to save some hits for game two against the Crusaders. Clarke starting pitcher Pat Hawker held the Little Giants hitless through four innings before Justin VanderIest broke up the no-hitter with a sharp single to left. Bogan (right) added the only other hit for the Little Giants to extend his consecutive game hitting streak to ten.
Meanwhile the Crusaders exploded for five runs in the fifth inning after taking a 2-0 lead with two outs in the second.
Wabash (7-6) will complete the four-game series with Clarke Sunday afternoon.