LATE LEAD SLIPS AWAY IN BASEBALL’S LOSS AT SAINT MARY

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Six strong innings on the mound from Antonio Villalobos IV and a go-ahead three-run home run from Dylan Atherton nearly snapped Avila baseball's losing streak before a Saint Mary comeback handed Avila baseball a 4-3 loss on Wednesday afternoon.

Both KCAC rivals had masterful starting pitching performances. Villalobos turned in the best start of his young season, tossing 6.0 shutout innings and striking out seven Spire batters.

Neither team got on the scoreboard until the top of the eighth inning when Dylan Atherton stepped to the plate with a pair of runners on.  After back-to-back singles from Caden Stillwell and Joey Reichmuth, Atherton deposited a ball over the fence to break the scoreless tie and give Avila a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the eighth, Saint Mary scored on a sac fly, a two-RBI single and a go-ahead single with two outs to take the lead back and go up 4-3.

The Eagles went down in the top of the ninth and ended the game on a double play to wrap up the one-run loss.

Eight different Avila starters had at least one hit in the game, including a pair from the leadoff position from Tommy English.

On the mound, Villalobos allowed just five baserunners and lowered his season ERA to 2.85 in four appearances this year. 

Weather permitting, Avila will host three games with Sterling this weekend, beginning with a single game on Friday, slated for 2 PM.

 (photo credit: Rhett Rogers)