ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn baseball team narrowly lost both games to visiting Rochester Christian (Mich.) on Wednesday (Apr. 16). The Wolverines lost in extra innings in game one, due in large part to a masterful performance from Ben Cardella. 

Game One: Rochester Christian 2, UM-Dearborn 1

In the opening game, the Wolverines put together one of their cleanest defensive performances of the season. Senior right-hander Ben Cardella shined on the mound, tossing seven strong innings while allowing just four hits and one earned run. He also struck out seven in a no-decision effort that kept the game within reach from start to finish.

UM-Dearborn jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Tyler Allos stole third and came home on a throwing error to put the Wolverines in front. Despite generating seven hits—spread among seven different players—UM-Dearborn couldn't capitalize on late scoring chances. A sacrifice fly by Rochester in the eighth proved to be the game-winner.

John Stavola took the loss in relief despite not allowing a hit, while the defense behind him played error-free baseball. The effort highlighted the Wolverines' growth and resilience on the field.

Game Two: Rochester Christian 8, UM-Dearborn 4

Game two featured a more high-scoring affair, and the Wolverines came out swinging. They scored in each of the first four innings, tying the game at 2-2 in the second and then briefly taking a 3-2 lead in the third on a double by Gavin Hampton.

Lance Smith had a strong showing with two hits, a run, and an RBI, while Alex Schmitt added a double and Brady Dion chipped in with two hits and a run. The Wolverines collected nine hits in the game and continued to put pressure on the Rochester defense, which committed four errors.

On the mound, Luis Gallardo went six innings, striking out six, but was tagged with the loss after a late three-run surge by the Warriors in the seventh.