RedStorm edge Otterbein

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm baseball team stepped out of conference on Thursday afternoon to host Otterbein University at frigid Bob Evans Field.  Rio won a close encounter by the score of 4-2.

Rio Grande (22-16) had only six hits in the game, but had some huge key hits in clutch situations, none bigger than junior catcher Brian Suerdick (Dayton, OH), who laced a two-run double to close out a three-run sixth inning, giving Rio a 3-1 lead. 

The RedStorm added a run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly off the bat of sophomore designated hitter Shane Spies (Polk, OH).

Senior leftfielder Michael Lynch (Cleveland, OH) started the scoring with an RBI single in the sixth.  He was 2-for-4 with a run scored to go along with his RBI. 

Otterbein (8-6) scored first with a single run in the fifth on a base-hit from Matt Workman.  The Cardinals closed the gap to 3-2 in the eighth on a solo home run from Elliot Greenhill.  Greenhill went 3-for-4 in the game to lead the Otterbein offense.

Senior first baseman Francisco Ramirez (Columbus, OH) led the Rio offense, going 2-for-2 with two walks.  Senior shortstop Brad Konrad (Maumee, OH) began the three-run rally in the sixth with a bunt single.  He would later score the first run of the game for URG.

Freshman David Steele (Kettering, OH) started the game and pitched well, lasting five innings, allowing four hits and one run.  Steele struck out one and walked two in the no-decision outing.  Sophomore Mark Parent (New Albany, OH) picked up the win in relief.  Parent (1-1) fired two scoreless innings, striking out two and walking one. 

Junior righty Ryan Chapman (Racine, OH) pitched a scoreless ninth to record his ninth save of the season in nine chances. 

Dominic Porretta (1-1) took the loss in relief for the Cardinals.  He pitched three innings, allowing four hits and three runs with one walk. 

Otterbein out-hit Rio Grande, 9-6.

"We got some timely hits which was key, they out-hit us on the scoreboard, but we had some timely hitting and we got solid pitching performances, I mean that's a key," said Rio Grande head coach Brad Warnimont.  "As damp and as cold as it was, spitting snow, the ball is not going to travel, although they're big boy (Greenhill) got a hold of one, but we played great defense, zero errors on the board and got quality pitching."

"Brian Suerdick's double down the right-field line was a key hit for us," he added.

Rio Grande will host Pikeville College on Saturday and Sunday in Mid-South Conference action.  The Saturday doubleheader is set to begin at 1 p.m.  Stretch Internet will have play-by-play coverage.