FAYETTE, Mo. – The Madonna University baseball team dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 game against top-ranked Southeastern in NAIA Opening Round play on Tuesday afternoon from Central Methodist University. The Crusaders will now play an elimination game on Wednesday afternoon against either St. Francis (Ill.) or the host Eagles of CMU. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Nate Blain held the No. 1 Fire scoreless through the first two innings, before Southeastern broke through in the bottom of the third with a solo home run. For the first five innings, the Crusaders were shutout by Southeastern starting pitcher and University of Virginia transfer Robb Adams. Madonna finally broke through in the top of the sixth, as Alex Garbacik blasted a two-run home run to give the Crusaders the 2-1 lead and fire up the dugout. With no one out Madonna had the opportunity to add insurance runs in the sixth, but unfortunately were unable to scratch anymore runs across.

Trailing 2-1, the Fire responded in the bottom half of the sixth with a run. Following a leadoff triple, Southeastern tied the game at 2-2 after scoring on a fielder's choice. Southeastern then hit the go-ahead solo home run to take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the seventh. Reece Wissinger then came in during the top of the eighth inning and got the final five outs for Southeastern, allowing the Fire to escape with the victory. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Blain went six innings and struck out four while allowing two runs.
• Victor Mencotti (3-2) relieved Blain and struck out two batters. 
• Garbacik, Anthony Sharkas, and Jace Matkin each recorded two hits. 
• Madonna outhit Southeastern 8-7.
• The Crusaders 17-game win streak against NAIA opponents was snapped.

UP NEXT:

Madonna will play its elimination game tomorrow at 3:30 EST/2:30 CST.