LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- The Asbury baseball team (24-13) traveled to Louisville, Ky on Wednesday evening to match up with Spalding University (21-13). Despite AU holding the lead through the first four innings, Spalding made a late surge to take the victory, 6-3. 

It was a staff pitching day for Asbury as they used 9 total pitchers in the game, holding Spalding to 8 hits and 6 runs. Holten Handel got the start for AU, going 2.0 innings with no runs allowed and 3 strikeouts.

Asbury jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first off doubles from Walker Paris and Ethan Cartwright (RBI). AU threatened again in the second with a leadoff double to center field from Kaden Dugle, but he was left standing on third to end the inning.

AU struck again in the top of the fourth on a Colton Perkins solo blast over the left-center field, 2-0 AU. Asbury continued their offensive pressure in the fifth with a Nathaniel Frank two out RBI single to center field to score Walker Paris, giving AU the 3-0 lead.

Spalding finally got to the Asbury pitching staff after being held scoreless for four innings, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the fifth on 4 hits. Spalding followed suit in the sixth scoring two more runs to gain the lead over Asbury, 4-3.

The Spalding bullpen held AU's offense to only 2 hits and no runs in the final four innings of the game. Spalding added a run in the sixth and another in the eighth to take the 6-3 victory over Asbury. 

Asbury moves to 24-13 on the season and has two regular season games left before they move into the postseason. 
 

* Colton Perkins was 2-2 with a home run (his 2nd of the season)

* Holten Handel pitched 2.0 innings allowing no runs and struck out 3

* Asbury's offense hit 4 doubles, but did not score in the final four innings

* Spalding worked 8 free passes on offense which helped them score their 6 runs

"We stayed focused in this game, it was very close throughout the entire game. I think we handled things well, we jumped out to a good start. Obviously we always want to come out on top but we still have confidence in this team and look forward to finishing the regular season strong."

     * Sophomore Pitcher, Holten Handel

Asbury will conclude their regular season on May 1 at home in a doubleheader vs. UC Clermont