Greensboro, NC: Following Friday's season-opening victory, the Big Red squared off against the No. 5 Salisbury squad for Division III baseball's first Top-5 matchup of the season. In a thrilling showdown, the Big Red fell in a 4-1 decision

(No. 3 Denison 1, No. 5 Salisbury 4)

After a big-time opening day win, the Big Red baseball team was back in action for Division III's first top-5 battle of the season. The Sea Gulls of Salisbury came into the D3 Showcase sporting a 2-0 record, with the combined scores of their wins at 43-0. 

Playing as the away team in a neutral-site matchup, the Denison offense was shut down in a three-up-three-down inning. In his first collegiate start and appearance, first-year Andrew Montero was able to keep Salisbury at bay and keep the score settled at 0-0.

The Sea Gulls struck first in the second inning. Salisbury capitalized on a handful of walks with a fielder's choice to first. Ryan Paganelis came out of the bullpen and was able to record a crucial two outs to get the Big Red off the field.

The Big Red would respond in the top of the third inning. Bobby Haarde would double down the left field line and Jack Lutte would follow with a double of his own to put runners at second and third. Erik Sundgren drew a walk to load the bases. Jack Rollo grounded into a double play to short, but Haarde would score to knot things up at one all.

The defenses would trade shutout innings through the fourth and fifth. First-year Devin Parker made his first career appearance out of the bullpen.

The Sea Gulls would get their biggest inning in the bottom of the sixth. After a double and two base hits, Salisbury tacked on three runs to take a 4-1 lead. On the final play of the frame, the Sea Gulls laced a deep fly into left field, but the relay from Lutte in left to Cade Nowik at third was able to get the Big Red out of a jam.

After a scoreless seventh inning, the Big Red would find hope in the top of the 8th. Max Fishbein, Andrew Fazio, and Jack Steel were able to load the bags, but the Salisbury pitching staff escaped without any harm done. 

Down to their final three outs, the Big Red put up one final push. Cade Nowik kicked it off with a base hit to center field but the effort was too little too late. Denison ultimately fell in a 4-1 decision.

The Big Red were even with Salisbury with eight hits. Fishbein led the way with two on the day. Lutte, Rollo, and Haarde tacked on doubles. Overall, the Big Red left 13 runners on base in their nine frames of action. 
 
On the mound, Paganelis, Parker, Mahoney Daunic, Connor Remley, and Cooper Marrs made appearances out of the bullpen following Montero's start. The staff combined for eight strikeouts and seven walks. Parker was credited with the loss.
 

Up Next: Due to inclement weather Denison's February 22 matchup against No. 13 SUNY Cortland has been canceled. The Big Red will travel to Lexington, Ky. on February 27, for the Transylvania Tournament, where they will take on Baldwin Wallace.