Jackets win game one over AU, 10-4

DEFIANCE, Ohio—The Defiance College Yellow Jackets improved to .500 in the Heartland Conference with a 10-4 win over Anderson University at Rutter Field on Friday afternoon.

Russ Lupica carried the Jackets on the mound, going all nine innings and striking out seven, while allowing four runs on six hits. The senior did not allow a base runner until the sixth inning and walked just one. Jeremy Hawkins led the Jacket bats with a double, two RBI and a run in a 3-for-5 day at the plate. Eric Schwab scored two runs and drove in one in a 3-for-4 effort, while Lenny Koesters is now hitting .469 on the season after going 3-for-4 with a run against AU.

A seven-run bottom of the fourth was the difference in the game as DC capitalized on five hits and two Raven errors to take the first lead of the game. After giving up a run in the sixth and three in the seventh, Lupica clamped down and held the visitors scoreless over the final six outs.

The two teams will meet up again tomorrow in a noon double-header at Anderson. The Jackets will return home on Sunday to host the University of St. Francis at 2:00 p.m.