UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich.-- The Madonna University baseball team stretched their winning streak to eight on Monday, defeating Saginaw Valley State University, of NCAA Division II. The Crusaders defeated the Cardinals 5-2, to improve their stellar record to 10-2 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

After falling behind 1-0, the Crusaders struck back in the top of the second inning. Matt Staelgraeve doubled to right field, and advanced to third on a passed ball. A Dylan Pawenski groundout was enough to drive the run home, tying the game at 1-1. In the 4th, Jace Matkin led off the inning with a single, and would later score on a Colin McHugh groundout.

Madonna would break it open in the top of the fifth, rallying to score three more runs to make the game 5-1. Alex Garbacik doubled, followed by an Aaron Sexton walk. Both players would advance on a groundout, then Matkin would walk to lead the bases. A passed ball would allow Garbacik to score and the runners to advance, then Staelgraeve hit his second double of the day to score both runs.

The Crusaders were commanded on the mound by a platoon of pitchers, only allowing two runs. Alejandro Caballero started the game, going two innings, allowing one run. Carson Collins relieved him, going three innings, allowing one run. Danny Medlock and John Beuckelaere followed it up with two innings each to close the door, only allowing one hit combined.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Crusaders' first win over NCAA team since win over Division I's Central Michigan in 2017
• Staelgraeve went 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI's
• Madonna hitters were struck out just five times

UP NEXT 

The Crusaders travel to Lima, Ohio on Saturday to play a doubleheader against the University of Northwestern Ohio.



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