Wesleyan, Mansfield Down Eagles Baseball Team in Florida's Gene Cusic Classic
March 5, 2004

Because of the cold weather in the midwest, the Ashland University baseball team has worn gloves throughout the winter. Friday (Mar. 5), the Eagles put on baseball mitts, but the results would lead one to believe that those gloves were as effective as worn out Isotoners.

The Eagles struggled defensively on Friday in Fort Myers, FL, on the second day of their spring trip. In the morning, Kentucky Wesleyan posted a 9-2 win over Ashland. In the afternoon, Mansfield recorded a 6-3 triumph over the Eagles.

AU, which began the trip with an 18-0 win over Salem International, is 7-3. The Eagles play one game on Saturday, against nationally-ranked Shippensburg.

Kentucky Wesleyan roughed up AU junior lefthander Ryan Douglas. Douglas, who’s trying to establish himself as the ace of the staff, lasted three innings. He gave up six runs, all earned, on five hits. He walked five and struck out six. Douglas was relieved by junior righthander Matt Pignato, who gave up three runs, two earned, in three innings. Pignato allowed three hits.

Panther pitching limited the Eagles to six hits. Freshman first baseman Ron Oneson was 2-for-3. Senior catcher Josh Gaub and freshman third baseman Casey Jirsa rapped doubles.

The Eagles were guilty of four errors against regionally-ranked Mansfield. Those miscues led to righty Todd Martinelli’s downfall. Martinelli went seven innings and allowed nine hits. He was charged with six runs, but only one earned run. The transfer from Columbus State walked three and struck out one.

The Mounties broke the game open in the third inning. After scoring once in the first inning and once in the second, Mansfield scored three times in the third. Ashland managed only four hits. Senior infielder Eric McDaniel had a double.