APR. 26 — Goshen Unmagical In Loss To Tri-State
Leafs never get going in melodramatic nine-inning contest against Thunder

Goshen, IN — Perhaps it was the fact that the Leafs had a long, two-game trip in Indianapolis the day prior. Perhaps it was the fact that Goshen is in the midst of a down-to-the-wire race for the Mid-Central Conference North Division Championship. Whatever the reason, the Leafs were a far cry from the level of baseball the team had grown accustomed to playing, dropping a 9-2 decision to Tri-State University in a non-conference, nine-inning game at the Goshen College Baseball Complex Tuesday afternoon.

After defeating Tri-State by a 16-10 score on Apr. 5 at the Cove in South Bend (view that game recap here), Goshen (16-12, 12-8) found a stark contrast in its game against the Thunder on Tuesday. The Leafs were only able to churn out six hits, and committed an uncharacteristic five errors in the loss.

Junior Greg Koop finished 2-4 at the plate for the Leafs, helping what little offensive push the team could muster. Sophomore Brian Shelton (1-3) was saddled with the loss on the mound, as the Thunder were able to rattle off a total of 12 hits on the afternoon. Junior Dan Fensler came in relief in the seventh inning, but the damage had been done.

Goshen will look to regroup for its final regular-season MCC games of the season on Saturday, when the team will travel to the University of St. Francis for a very important double-header. With a sweep of the Cougars — and help from other MCC teams — Goshen could win the North Division title outright, pitting them in a three-game series with Marian College (which has already clinched the South Division Championship) beginning next Thursday for the league championship. Regardless of whether or not the Leafs win the MCC’s North Division, they are guaranteed at least a chance to play for NAIA Regional competition, as the MCC will receive three bids to regional competition this season. Both the North and South Division winners will get an automatic berth, while the second- and third-place teams from both divisions will compete in a four-team, double-elimination tournament beginning next Thursday. For a complete look at the conference standings, click here.