Baseball team splits doubleheader with Bluffton (Ohio) at Gene Cusic Classic

The Olivet College baseball team split a doubleheader with Bluffton (Ohio) University today at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. The Comets won the first game, 15-5, and lost the nightcap, 9-5.

In the first game, Olivet scored at least one run in every inning except the first. For the game, the Comets had 21 hits. Leading the way was junior Derek Ott (Kawkawlin/Bay City Western), who collected four hits in four trips to the plate. He also scored a team-high three runs. Junior Chris Shelhart (Rolling Meadows, Ill./St. Viator) had three hits, including two triples.

In addition, seniors Drew Benoit (Climax-Scotts), Eddie Jones (Warren/St. Clement) and Jonathon Van Son (Macomb/H.W. Notre Dame), sophomore Michael Katlin (Charlotte) and freshman Scott Purdy (Traverse City/West) recorded two hits apiece. On the mound, junior Brad Dragicevich (Kalamazoo/Central) earned the win. He pitched five innings, allowed nine hits and struck out five. Freshman Joe Lacey (St. Helen/ Roscommon) pitched two hitless innings in relief.

In the nightcap, Bluffton scored a run in the first frame and never looked back. At the plate, junior Todd Driver (Charlotte) was three-for-four. Seven other Comets each had a base hit. The only extra base hit was a triple by junior Bryan Houston (Detroit/Southfield). Shelhart scored two runs after reaching base on a fielder's choice in the third inning and walk in the fifth.

On the mound, Van Son was credited with the loss. He tossed four and two-thirds innings, giving-up 11 hits and seven runs. Sophomore Ed O'Brien (Stockbridge) and junior Elliott Wilcox (Mattawan) each pitched in relief.

The Comets will play a doubleheader tomorrow against Notre Dame College of Ohio. The first pitch is slated for 4 p.m.