Eagles Play Long Ball, Sweep Conference Opening DH

Chicago, IL - After a week in the sun down in Florida, the Eagles were back in Illinois to kick off their CCAC conference slate of games with two games at St. Xavier. 

In game one, a 6-run 2nd inning propelled the Eagles to a 13-7 win over the Cougars. 

Judson pounded out 16 hits in the game, with 3-hit days by Alijah Acevedo, Kevin Flores, Hudson Deal, and Daley Thompson. Five of those hits were long balls as Deal, Thompson, and Acevedo each hit one out, while Flores touched them all twice. 

Ryan Risch was credited with the win. It may not have been his cleanest work to date, but the win pushes Risch's record to 4-1 on the season. 

In game two, Judson's hot bats continued with a 13-3 victory. 

The Eagles scored three runs in the third inning, then really broke things open with nine runs over the last two innings. 

JU tallied 17 more hits, with four more balls clearing the fence. 

Hudson Deal had two more home runs, and five RBI's in the game. For the day, he went 5-8 with three home runs and 8 RBI's. 

Nate Stempowski had three hits, with one being a solo home run. Nate's brother Blake Stempowski also had two hits, including a solo home run. 

Matt Johnston got the win pitching six innings. Normally the team's closer, Johnson was able to throw six innings for his first credited win, and he added six strikeouts to his ledger. 

Coming into the games, Judson had hit just seven home runs as a team. But favorable conditions allowed them to hit nine home runs in the two game sweep this afternoon. 

The Eagles stand at 10-9 overall, and an early 2-0 in conference play. 

Judson will play host to Viterbo for four games this weekend for the team's first set of home games for the spring at Hoffer Field this year. 

They will play two games on Friday, and two more on Saturday.