DAYTON – The University of Dayton baseball team kicked off the weekend with an exciting 12-9 win against La Salle.
La Salle jumped ahead early, scoring a home run and taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning. But Dayton wasn’t backing down. In the bottom of the third, Grayson Carpenter hit a single that helped cut La Salle’s lead.
La Salle added two more runs in the fourth, but Dayton flipped the game in the fifth inning. Michael Smith Jr. hit a grand slam, sending the ball deep into right center, while Jason Bello followed up with a solo home run. This surge put Dayton ahead 6-3. Smith Jr. wasn’t finished—he added three more runs in the sixth, expanding the lead to 9-4.
Despite La Salle landing a two-RBI double, Dayton regrouped in the seventh. Tommy Ahlers Jr. hit a crucial double, and Carpenter walked to score another run, leaving Dayton in a comfortable position at 12-6.
In the ninth inning, La Salle fought back, hitting two home runs and closing the gap to 12-9. However, Dayton held on for the win.
BY THE NUMBERS
8 – RBIs for Smith Jr., ranking second for a single game in program history.
2 – Runs scored by Carpenter, Danny MacDougall, and Smith Jr.
3 – Home runs for Dayton: two from Smith Jr. and one from Bello.
3 – Doubles hit by Ahlers Jr., Carpenter, and Stang.
7 – Strikeouts achieved by Dayton’s pitching staff.
UP NEXT
Game two of the series is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
For more updates, follow Dayton Flyers Baseball on [Twitter](https://x.com/DaytonBaseball), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/daytonbaseball), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/daytonflyersbaseball/).
This win showcases Dayton’s growing baseball prowess. Recent stats highlight an increase in home runs across NCAA baseball this season, with teams collectively averaging about 1.12 home runs per game—up from 0.88 last season. Experts argue this rise reflects enhanced training techniques, better bats, and maybe even a shift in player fitness. Whatever the reason, it adds excitement to games like this one!
In a world where college basketball often steals the spotlight, baseball continues to make strides. Keep an eye on the Flyers as they aim for success in upcoming games!
