FRANKLIN, Ind. – Franklin College manufactured three runs with just one hit and topped visiting Anderson 3-2 to sweep a key Heartland Conference baseball doubleheader at McDowell Field today.
The Grizzlies improved to 17-7 in the HCAC and 29-9 overall on Senior Day while the Ravens dropped to 17-7 in the league and dropped to 25-14 in all games.
Franklin's sweep prevented Anderson from winning the 2012 HCAC regular season championship – the Ravens needed two victories over FC in the series – and gave Rose-Hulman the conference title instead.
The Engineers (18-6 in the HCAC) wrapped up their schedule on Friday night.
The Grizzies and Anderson will play for second place on Sunday in a single nine-inning contest at noon.
Franklin captured this afternoon's second decision when freshman second baseman Mitch Frey scored from third base on a ground ball hit by junior shortstop Nick Stoia for a fielder's choice. Frey beat the throw to home from AU second baseman Kyle Beckman. The play was FC's only RBI of the ballgame.
Franklin freshman pitcher Seth Powers worked the last 1-2/3 innings in relief of starter Shawn Mattingly and allowed no hits, improving to 7-1.
In today's first game, the Grizzlies jumped on the Ravens with five runs in the opening inning. Junior catcher Jesse Wilson hit a two-run single and senior third baseman Jordon Klinedinst and senior outfielder Kevin Entwistle both doubled in a run to highlight the scoring. Wilson also brought in a run with a two-base hit in the second inning.
Sophomore center fielder Scott Windler belted a two-run home run over the left-center field fence to put FC up 7-0.
Franklin had 13 hits to Anderson's three in the opener.
All that offense helped pitcher Nathan Ellis breeze to his eighth win. The senior right-hander had no walks and struck out four batters.