Saint Xavier (IL.) - Olivet Nazarene and Saint Xavier went toe‑to‑toe in a four‑game CCAC showdown that delivered just about everything — big innings, momentum swings, and standout performances on both sides. Across the series, the Tigers showed resilience and firepower, answering early deficits, capitalizing on scoring opportunities, and leaning on steady pitching when it mattered most. It was a weekend that highlighted ONU's depth and composure, setting the tone as the conference race tightens.

In game one, Olivet outlasted Saint Xavier in a wild 13‑inning battle, pulling away late for a 14–9 win behind 20 hits and a five‑run explosion in the final frame. The Tigers came out blazing, building a 6–0 lead by the third inning thanks to early RBI swings from Troy Vosburgh, Jude Coursey, and Landon Holt. After Saint Xavier clawed all the way back to tie it 9–9 in the eighth, both bullpens settled in, and Owen Roberts delivered a huge 6.1‑inning relief outing to stabilize the game and keep ONU alive deep into extras. In the 13th, Olivet's offense erupted. Alex Seaton broke the tie with an RBI single, Holt followed with a two‑run knock, and Vosburgh and Coursey capped the rally with back‑to‑back RBI hits to seal the win for the Tigers.

In game two, Olivet Nazarene couldn't fully erase an early deficit falling 6–4. After SXU jumped ahead 4–0 in the first—helped by three unearned runs—the Tigers chipped away inning by inning. Jacob York put ONU on the board in the second, then Landon Holt ripped an RBI double in the third to make it 5–2. Jude Coursey added a sacrifice fly in the fifth, and York delivered again in the seventh with an RBI single to pull Olivet within two. Connor Janik continued his hot stretch with a 3‑for‑3 day, while Alex Seaton added two hits and a run. Mason Armstrong settled the game on the mound, tossing five strong innings with just two earned runs allowed to keep ONU within striking distance. Despite out‑hitting the Cougars 9–6 and creating late opportunities, the Tigers couldn't find the big swing they needed.

In game three, Olivet powered past Saint Xavier 8–5, using a four‑run fourth inning and strong pitching to take control at home. Troy Vosburgh jump‑started the offense with a solo homer, and ONU broke the game open in the fourth with a string of patient, pressure‑filled plate appearances. Jude Coursey, Andrew Mack, Jacob York, and Mason Bogan each drove in a run during the rally, flipping a 4–1 deficit into a 5–4 lead. York later added an RBI double, and Bogan finished with three hits and two RBI to pace the lineup. On the mound, Qade Carrington was outstanding. He went seven innings without allowing an earned run, scattering three hits and keeping SXU off balance all afternoon. Bryson Horning closed it out with two strong innings and four strikeouts.

Olivet controlled the game from the third inning on, rolling to a 9–4 win behind timely hitting and a steady start from Nicholas Gniedziejko. Alex Seaton's two‑run single put ONU in front early, and the Tigers broke things open with a three‑run fifth and four‑run sixth. Luke Nicholaus doubled and drove in two, Seaton finished with three RBI, and Troy Vosburgh added a sac fly as the lineup capitalized on SXU mistakes and kept pressure on throughout. Gniedziejko went the distance, striking out seven and allowing just three earned runs over seven innings.

The Tigers stay hot improving to 19-9 in conference and 23-19 overall. With only one conference series left they sit one game back of St. Ambrose for the top of the conference.

--ONU--