Bing Crosby Stadium played host to Opening Day baseball for the Christendom Crusaders on Friday, as they played the NCAA DIII Franciscan University of Steubenville Barons in a day/night double-header.
In the first game, the Crusaders matched the Barons through the first four frames, with junior Caleb Wilson holding the Barons down. 2 runs in the 5th inning proved to be the difference maker in the game, though, with the Barons ultimately taking the first game of the season 4-0.
The night game initially looked to have the same result. The Barons got on the board quickly, scoring in the top of the 1st, 3rd, and 5thinnings before the Crusaders exploded in the bottom of the 5th inning with 5 runs scored. Ian Heisler threw three strong innings in relief for the Crusaders after Stephen Buonocore's solid opening four innings, but costly errors in the 7th put the Crusaders down by one going into the bottom of the final inning of play.
The Crusaders showed the same edge that put them on top in the 5th inning, ultimately scoring two runs in the bottom of the 7th — winning in dramatic walk-off fashion under the lights at Bing Crosby. Offensive performances from Michael Urankar, Michael Mersch and Stephen Bouncore proved to be the difference makers for the Crusaders, giving them strong momentum going into the continuation of their season after spring break.
The team will next play in an away double header against Penn State York on March 17. Later this month, the team will play against Pine Manor College, Potomac State, Patrick Henry, and Central. The baseball team's full schedule can be viewed here.
Crusader fans look forward to the baseball and softball seasons that lie ahead. All Christendom athletic events are free of charge and open to the public.
Post Game the two Catholic squads met to pray.
After they prayed together the teams united as one for a picture.