Baseball Drops Final Game in Florida

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- The Mitchell College baseball team wrapped up its Florida trip with a 5-1 loss to Clark University on Friday morning.

Clark starting pitcher Cal Slepkow turned in a strong performance, limiting the Mitchell offense to one run on four hits while striking out nine in a complete-game effort. The Cougars spotted him the early lead thanks to a two-run homer by Derek Lefebvre in the first inning. A two-run double by Dylan Horn doubled the lead the following inning, though Slepkow wouldn't need the extra run support.

Peter Abate finished the day with a pair of hits and knocked in the sole Mitchell run in the seventh. Steven Pagan led off the frame with a single and later scored from third base on a sacrifice fly to left by Abate.

Mitchell starter Drew Daley yielded four runs in 3.1 innings of work. The bullpen fared much better as Justin Lukas tossed 3.0 shutout innings and didn't allow a hit, retiring seven straight batters before turning the ball over to Brian Ricker. Bryce Bedard closed out the game with a scoreless inning of relief and fanned two. 

Mitchell (4-5 overall) will next host John Jay College on Saturday, March 16 at noon.