MEADVILLE, Pa. (April 11, 2022) – Backed by a three-run first inning and a strong starting pitching performance from Charlie Fleming, the Denison University baseball team defeated Allegheny College 5-1 to give the Gators their first loss in North Coast Athletic Conference action so far this season.

Denison (14-7 overall, 4-1 NCAC) struck first in the top of the first inning, scoring three runs in a row via a hit by pitch with the bases loaded by Jake Welsch, a single to shortstop by Charlie Glennon, and then a catcher's interference call.

In all, the top of the first inning featured two infield singles by the Big Red and three fielding errors by Allegheny (15-6, 4-1), which also suffered its first home loss of the season.

The Big Red added two insurance runs thanks to two more Gator miscues in the top of the seventh as Ari Fierer reached first on a dropped third strike and then scored from first on the ensuing double to left field by Josh Bohn. Then with two outs, a throwing error by the Gators' pitcher allowed Bohn to score to make it 5-0.

Bohn, Glennon and Owen Wilson each finished with two hits for the Denison offense while on the mound, Fleming (4-1) went on to finish with five hits, one run, one walk and six strikeouts to his credit over 8.2 innings. Fleming pitched four 1-2-3 innings and only allowed four base runners over the first eight innings.

*Game two between Denison and Allegheny on Monday was suspended in the middle of the seventh inning with the Big Red leading 8-4. The contest will have to be made up at a later date.

The Big Red will now have until the weekend before returning to action on their home field to host Hiram College in a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Denison was victorious in two seven inning games over DePauw University during their first home conference series last week, and they will look to keep their momentum going this weekend.