Two home runs aid Griffins in 12-9 win over Illinois College

St. Louis- Bats were alive yesterday afternoon as the Griffins defeated Illinois College 12-9. Fontbonne has jumped out to a 3-1 opening record on the season.

With a 2-2 count, opening batter Rob Berger swung for the fences, immediately putting the Griffins on the board in the first. Leading 1-0 in the second, Zach Carel ripped another home run off Illinois College pitcher D.J. Davis to give the Griffins a 3-0 lead. Junior pitcher Caleb Tatum struggled in the second, allowing Illinois College to cross the plate twice with three singles, a hit by pitch, and two sacrifice flys.

Adding another run the third gave Fontbonne a 4-2 advantage, but the Blueboys counteracted, scoring three runs to take the lead. Tatum was replaced by Jacob Becker on the mound who put the final Ill. College batter away.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Griffins brought in four runs, all with two outs thanks to two stolen bases, three walks, a wild pitch and two fielding errors. Fontbonne scored once more in the sixth and three players crossed the plate in the seventh to give the Griffins a 12-6 lead. Illinois College scored their final three runs (all unearned) in the bottom of the seventh.

Becker got the win (2-0) with Cale Laughlin receiving the save. Becker struck out four in his 4.1 innings. Laughlin struck out five in two innings. Davis took the loss for Illinios College (1-1).

Alex Roedner contributed offensively for Fontbonne with a double.

Fontbonne travels to Florida for five games over spring break before hosting a doubleheader against Monmouth College Sunday, March 23 at noon.