Thrilling Comeback Overwhelms Cardinals in High-Stakes Rematch Against Fairmont State – Wheeling University Athletics

Wheeling, W. Va. – After rain pushed back their game on April 19, the Wheeling University baseball team faced Fairmont State on Tuesday for a crucial rematch. They played a thrilling seven-inning game that ended with a close score of 7-6, splitting the season series.

Cardinals pitcher Brock Elliott started strong but gave up a two-run homer to Fairmont State’s Zach Brennan in the first inning. After that, he found his groove. The Wheeling bats came alive in the next inning. Nicolas Ancelet kicked things off with a single, quickly moving into scoring position. Then, Christian Boyles moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt. Nicholas Schulz drove in Ancelet with a double, tying the game. Jacob Lentz walked, and Seth Floyd had a timely single, making it 2-2. By the end of the second, a double from Brett Johnson put the Cardinals ahead 3-2.

Fairmont State answered back in the third, but the Cardinals kept their momentum. Keaton Ference walked, although a double play cleared the bases. Boyles hustled for an infield single, and Ancelet’s RBI triple gave Wheeling a 4-3 lead. Jalen Raysor kept the energy up, reaching base safely and allowing Ancelet to score, pushing the lead to 5-3. Yet again, Fairmont State fought back, tying the game at 5-5 after four innings.

In the bottom of the fourth, Spencer Craig lifted the spirits with a solo home run, giving the Cardinals a 6-5 lead. Elliott ended up leaving the game after loading the bases. Enter Matt Sanfilippo, who managed to keep the damage minimal, allowing just two runs to score. Over three innings, Elliott gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits, striking out one.

Later, Logan Stalbird took over pitching duties, striking out all three batters he faced in the fifth and finishing the sixth without allowing a run. He came out for the seventh but was replaced after a walk and a single brought trouble. Lamont Akins came in, but Fairmont capitalized, scoring two runs to take a 7-6 lead.

The Cardinals aimed to rally in the bottom of the seventh, but struck out all three batters, sealing their fate in this hard-fought game.

On a brighter note, Nicholas Schulz stood out offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two RBIs. Spencer Craig added to the score with his home run, finishing 1-for-4, while Brett Johnson

Looking ahead, Wheeling University baseball returns to the field on April 30, facing Bethany in a midweek game, with first pitch set for 7 PM.

In addition to this game, baseball fan engagement has surged, with social media buzzing about the unpredictability of the season. A recent survey showed that nearly 60% of fans find college baseball more exciting than professional games, citing the close scores and competitive spirit as key factors. With each game, teams increasingly rely on fan support, making community presence a vital part of their performance.

For more details on college baseball schedules and statistics, check out [NCAA Baseball](https://www.ncaa.com/sports/baseball/d1).

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