AUBURNDALE, FL – Ripping a pair of hits for the second time in three games, University of Mary shortstop Braeton Wixo highlighted the Marauders efforts in an 11-0 loss to Walsh. The freshman owns five hits in the last three games.
 
A big third inning and a strong pitching performance carried the Cavaliers past the Marauders. After scoring once in the first, Walsh plated eight runs in the third. Following a pair of singles, a UMary error on a sacrifice bunt attempt filled the bases. A one-out infield single scored the first run before a single to right scored the second. After a strikeout for the second out, Walsh scored six more times in the inning, all unearned. An Eric Connor grand slam capped the scoring, increasing the Cavaliers lead to 9-0.
 
After doubling in the third for the Marauders first hit, Wixo provided UMary's second hit in the fifth on a one-out single to left.  
 
UMary's best scoring opportunity came in the seventh inning as both Darius Barlas and Nick McCann walked to place two runners on the bases but a pop up and a ground out ended the threat and the game.
 
Wixo finished 2-for-3 with a double, the lone hits in the contest for the Marauders. In his last three games he is 5-for-8 with two doubles, a run scored and a stolen base.
 
UMary pitchers combined to allow three earned runs in the game. Zac Martin struck out four hitters in 2.2 innings. In his collegiate debut, freshman Brandon Gill struck out three in two innings and allowed one run. Alec DeMaria allowed one unearned run in one inning.
 
The top three hitters in the Cavaliers lineup each had three hits. Connor also had three runs scored and drove in four and Joey Holiga posted three RBIs and scored once. Anthony Krokos struck out six and allowed two hits and no walks in five innings to earn the win.
 
After taking a day off, the Marauders (2-5 overall) return to action on Friday, March 8, with a doubleheader against West Virginia Wesleyan College.
 
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