MARIETTA, Ohio — A four-run third inning propelled Denison University to a 6-2 win over Marietta College Wednesday (March 22) afternoon at Don Schaly Stadium. The loss drops Marietta to 5-6 overall, while the Big Red improves to 8-3 on the season.

After giving up two runs on four hits in the first two innings, Denison pitcher Perley Provost (2-1) allowed just two hits over the final seven innings to notch the complete game victory. Provost allowed two runs on six hits and struck out eight in 9.0 innings of work.

The two teams traded runs in the first two innings with Denison scoring one in the top half of the first and second innings and Marietta matching them in the bottom of each frame.

Mike Hale drove in Chandler Palyas with a single down the right field line in the bottom of the first, while Michael Barnabei smacked an RBI single to centerfield in the second inning plating Connor Golden.

The Big Red took advantage of a pair of Pioneer errors to score four runs in the third inning, including two unearned runs. Scott Oberhelman took over on the mound to start the inning for Marietta.

Noah Hahn led off with a double into the right field corner. Following a walk to Tanner Johnson, Phil Papaioannou dropped down a sac bunt and Marietta threw the ball away at first base. Hahn came around to score, while Johnson ended up on third.

Joseph Maydwell hit a sac fly to right scoring Johnson. Tucker Davison singled moving Papaioannou to third. Davison stole second and Sam Frazen walked to load the bases. Jack Blanchard hit a grounder to short that should have been an inning-ending double play, but the relay throw to first was errant allowing Papaioannou and Davison to score.

Marietta skipper Brian Brewer continued to split the game on the mound as three more Pioneers toed the rubber. Kordell Antill, Ian Luttrell and David Stover each allowed one hit in their two innings of relief.

Tyler Nieberding started and worked the first 2.0 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Oberhelman (1-1) was tagged with the loss. He threw 1.0 inning and gave up four runs, two earned, on two hits and two walks.

Golden was the lone Pioneer with two hits in the game. Golden went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored.

Marietta opens Ohio Athletic Conference play on Saturday (March 25) when the University of Mount Union visits Don Schaly Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.