Eltzroth, Bostater lead Baseball in 0-4, 5-1 split at Capital

By Caleb Scott

COLUMBUS -- Senior Nick Eltzroth and sophomore Jordan Bostater led the Ohio Northern baseball team as they split a twin-bill at Clowson Field in Columbus 0-4, 5-1 Thursday afternoon.

The Polar Bears improve to 19-16 overall and 7-9 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while the Crusaders fall to 19-15, 7-9.

Eltzroth went 4-for-7 at the plate and added two runs for the Polar Bears offensively, while Bostater went 4-for-8 and added a run. 

Northern fell behind early in game one as Capital posted a two-run first inning to take a quick 2-0 lead.

After defensive efforts by both teams held the game scoreless for the next five innings, Capital was able to add two insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and seal the 4-0 victory in game one.

The Crusaders started where they left off in game one as they scored an early run in the bottom of the second inning in game two to take a quick 1-0 lead. 

The Polar Bears would respond in the top of the fourth inning and gain the advantage as Bostater and Eltzroth scored on a miscue from the Capital pitcher to give Northern a 2-1 lead.

Ohio Northern would extend its lead to 4-1 in the top of the sixth inning as Eltzroth and sophomore Jason Burkett would reach home on an error from the Capital second baseman.

The Polar Bears were able to close the door in the top of the ninth inning as senior Andy Lubonovic singled and stole back-to-back bases before scoring on a passed ball to give Northern the 5-1 victory.

Sophomore T.J. Storer earned the victory on the mound for ONU as he went 5.2 innings and struck out a game-high four batters en route to a 2-0 record. 

Senior Alex Crabtree relieved Storer in the fifth inning and earned his first save of the season.

Northern will conclude the regular season on Saturday as they welcome Marietta to Wander Field on Senior Day at 1 pm.