Granville, Ohio: Following a conference sweep over Oberlin, the nation's No. 1 team hosted fellow Division III blue blood Marietta for an out-of-conference Sunday showdown. The Big Red stayed hot and collected its 23rd straight win in a 10-2 decision. Denison moves to 24-1 on the year while the Pioneers fall to 7-15. The day was highlighted by Mahoney Daunic's first win of the season and Kelly Crittenberger's three-run homer.

No. 1 Denison 10, Marietta 2

The sophomore righty Mahoney Daunic got his second start of the season. The hurler started what would be a three-inning pitcher's duel. The Ohio foes traded scoreless first, second, and third innings.

The scoreless showdown would be snapped in the bottom of the fourth. The reigning All-American Erik Sundgren laced a double into left-center. Andrew Fazio reached on a fielder's choice, but Sundgren remained on the base path after beating the throw to third. With runners at the corners, Kelly Crittenberger mashed his first collegiate home run in electric fashion, plating three runs to take a 3-0 lead. Following the homer, Nate Lloyd reached with a bunt before Cade Nowik would score him with a base hit. Eron Vega finished off the inning with a sacrifice fly to take a 5-0 lead.

After a strong 5.2 inning showing from Daunic, the Pioneers were able to steal a run back in the sixth inning. Max Mullen came out of the bullpen to escape the inning with a 5-1 lead.

The Big Red were held scoreless in the bottom of the frame. Heading into the seventh inning, Marietta found some momentum and was able to tack on another run to cut the Denison lead to 5-2. However, Ryan Paganelis slammed the door shut on the momentum, striking out the Pioneer to hold onto the three-run lead.

In the top of the eighth, the Big Red bullpen would utilize three arms. Paganelis recorded a strikeout before Noah Shapo and Evan Cerretani finished off the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Big Red would solidify the win with five more runs to take a 10-2 lead. Cade Nowik cleared the bases with a two RBI single to center before Jack Lutte and Eron Vega would account for the final three runs. Senior righty Connor Remley got the call to close down the game in the top of the ninth. Remley recorded the final out in strike-three fashion.

The offensive attack was led by Crittenberger, who went 3-3 with three RBIs and the lone home run. Nowik and Vega also picked up multiple hits. The Big Red drew two walks in the 10-hit, 10-run victory.

Defensively, the bullpen staff stood tall. Following Daunic's starting outing, five more arms would make appearances. The staff tallied seven strikeouts, four walks, and just five hits in the 10-2 victory. Daunic earned his second win of the season.

Up Next: The Big Red will be on the road on Tuesday, April 14, against Heidelberg University. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.