The Benedictine Mesa baseball team opened conference play with a tough doubleheader against Embry-Riddle, falling 5-3 in game one and 3-2 in game two.

Game 1 Recap

The Redhawks started strong in the third inning when Alec Larson singled to second base, driving in Preston Vine-Close for the game's first run. Benedictine extended the lead in the fifth as Carlos Parra's groundout allowed Sam Ruchala to score, with Larson and Jack Moore advancing Jude. Sullivan then brought home Moore on a groundout to first, giving Benedictine a 3-0 advantage.

Embry-Riddle answered in the sixth, capitalizing on an error and timely hitting to tie the game at 3-3. The Eagles took the lead in the seventh on a sacrifice fly and added an insurance run in the eighth to complete the comeback and secure the 5-3 victory.

Game 2 Recap

Embry-Riddle struck first in the second inning, plating an unearned run off a single to left field. They added another in the third and extended their lead to 3-0 in the sixth with a sacrifice fly.

Benedictine Mesa fought back in the bottom of the sixth when Willie Tatum launched a two-run homer, bringing in Alec Larson to cut the deficit to 3-2. Despite the late push, the Redhawks couldn't find the equalizer, and Embry-Riddle held on for the narrow win.

Key Performers

• Alec Larson: 3 hits, 1 double, 1 run, 1 RBI
• Willie Tatum: 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 run, 2 RBIs
• Samuel Ruchala: 1 hit, 1 double, 1 run

Looking Ahead

The Redhawks will look to bounce back on Wednesday, March 12, when they take on Dickinson State at home.