The Ashland University Eagles return to North Central Ohio after spending a week under the sunny skies of Auburndale Florida.

While down in Florida, they took part in the Matt Russ invitational to take on nine teams across Division II.

The first game on Friday, March 3rd against the Davenport Panthers almost seemed to be a home run derby, led by outfielder Cal Johnstons’ Grand Slam in the top of the fourth and  Ben Peltz’s 3-run shot in the 7th to give the Eagles seven of their 11 runs. This however wasn’t enough, as the Panthers were able to mash three of their own against the AU pitching staff totaling their score to 15.

After their perfect season was shattered by Davenport, Ashland returned to winning ways on Saturday, March 4th against the Gannon Golden Knights. A stellar pitching performance led the Eagles from sophomore Brandon Beaver who pitched lights out with seven strikeouts, three hits, and one run through seven innings. 

Peltz showed his worth at the plate once again with another three-run home run, this one coming in a 4-run first inning from the Eagles, giving them a 5-2 victory.

Their third game in Florida was concluded in a similar fashion against the California (PA) University Vulcans. The game was highlighted by Graduate Student Seth Schroder, who went 3-5 including a double and scoring 2 of AU’s 5 runs in the 5-1 win.

The Eagles continued their winning ways on Monday, March 6th against the Notre Dame College Falcons. Ashland shut out the Hawks, thanks in part to pitcher Josh Meyer, who gave up only three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts through six innings pitched. The Eagles hitting extravaganza was led by redshirt freshman Collin Overholt who went 3-4, including a solo home run in the seventh inning and finishing a triple short of the cycle as the Eagles finished with a 13-0 win.

The Eagles’ explosion of offense continued through to Tuesday, March 7th when the Eagles once again put up double-digit runs, this time against the West Virginia Wesleyan College Bobcats in a 16-3 win.

The winning ways for the Eagles came to a close on Wednesday, March 8th against the Seton Hill Griffins. The Eagles then continued to fall short for the next three games against the Lewis University Flyers, Grand Valley State Lakers, and the Wayne State Wildcats of Nebraska.

The Eagles now turn to Great Midwest Athletic Conference action. Where they now look to take on the Findlay University Oilers on Saturday, March 18th.