ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. – Senior JT Thompson blasted his first career home run in game one to bring the Elizabethtown College baseball team back from a one-run deficit and then rattled off 16 runs in game two to give the Blue Jays the first two games of the Landmark Conference series against Drew University, 3-2 and 16-4 Saturday afternoon.

With the two wins, Etown improves to 5-1 overall and conference play while the Rangers fall to 0-6.

Thompson finished the day with three hits, four RBI, and three runs scored. Also finishing the day with multiple RBI were freshman AJ Bednar (3) senior Arley Shepherd (3), sophomore Ben Watson (3), junior Robbie Bertucio (2), and junior Tyler McGonigle (2).

GAME ONE: ELIZABETHTOWN 3 DREW 2

After Drew scored the first two runs of the game in the top of the second, the Blue Jays answered in the bottom of the frame. With one out and junior James Vito on third and senior Michael Rajnik on second, Bednar stepped in and knocked a sacrifice fly to left field. Vito came around to score before the Rangers could make the final out of the inning, making the score after two 2-1.

The bats then went quiet until the bottom of the sixth. Drew managed to get a quick two outs sandwiched around a walk by junior Joey Thomas, bringing Thompson to the plate. Thomas swiped second to move into scoring position, but it proved to not matter as Thompson smashed his first career home run over the right field fence, putting the Blue Hays in front for the first time in game one, 3-2.



Drew rallied in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with one out and bringing their four and five-hitter to the plate. Senior Kelly Holdren however dug in and struck out the final two batter to secure Etown's fourth victory of the season.

Senior Joe Sarich got the start for the Blue Jays, holding the Rangers hitless while allowing two earned runs and striking out four. Classmate Kelly Holdren (2-0) earned the win in relief, striking out four in 1 2/3 innings of work.

Senior Tyler Jinks (0-2) allowed three earned runs on five hits and struck out two in the losing effort.

GAME TWO: ELIZABETHTOWN 16 DREW 4
Etown did damage early and often, securing a 10-run advantage after just two innings behind seven hits. The Blue Jays finished game two with a season-high 13 hits and 16 runs to pace themselves to the win.

Earning their first collegiate appearances in game two were freshmen Garret Schwartzbeck (1-1), JM Musser, Aidan Schweizer, sophomore Justin Wetzel (1-2, 1 RBI, 1 run), Bryce Keller, and junior Phil Lyons (1 SO).

Sophomore Zach Silfies (2-0) allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out three. Senior Michael Rajnik, Lyons, and senior Cory Freedner combined for three innings of relief, allowing one earned run on two hits and striking out four.

Junior Teddy Hoxie (0-2) took the loss allowing five earned runs on four hits.

Due to impending weather, tomorrow's doubleheader at Drew has been postponed. The make-up date is TBD. The next game for the Blue Jays will be Friday, April 2 at Susquehanna. Game one of the doubleheader is set for 12:30 p.m.