Ohio Wesleyan freshman pitcher Michael Myers didn't know until 30 minutes before the game he would throw the Bishops' opener in the NCAA Division III Mideast Regional opener against DePauw (Ind.) Thursday.

His coach, Roger Ingles, knew for a week.

"There was no reason to get him all nervous about pitching," said Ingles, following Ohio Wesleyan's 6-2 victory at Marietta College's Pioneer Park. "Michael has been effective for us all year. He did a nice job tonight."

Myers kept the Tiger batters off balance with a sneaky fastball and an arsenal of off-speed pitches. The Columbus native scattered eight hits over six innings as he improved to 5-1.

"I was surprised to get the start," Myers said. "With the great pitching staff we have I never thought I would get the call."

Senior lefty Peter Balyeat tossed three scoreless innings for his third save as the Bishops advanced to face Marietta at noon Friday in the winner's bracket contest.

Junior outfielder Shaun Rice went 4-for-4 with one RBI and two runs as the Bishops (41-10) didn't let a three hour and 15 minute rain delay halt their day one celebration.

"Sure we would have all like to go back to the hotel (during the delay), but we got to play under the lights and this team likes that," Rice said.

Junior first baseman Drew Caravella continues to swing a hot bat as he went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Senior third baseman Paul Lashuk added a double and two RBIs.

DePauw (26-18) received a nice outing from starter Pat Creel (5-2), but it wasn't enough. Creel allowed 10 hits and struck out eight in six innings of work, but he allowed six earned runs.

"I think Pat pitched well enough to win," said DePauw coach Matt Walker.

Senior Nick Horvath went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while senior Javair Gillett went 2-for-5.

Box Score

Marietta holds off Allegheny in
Game 1 of Regional

Marietta College junior pitcher Matt DeSalvo says he feels good enough to throw again Friday in the NCAA Division III Mideast Regional.

The Pioneers, fresh off a tough 5-4 victory against Allegheny (Pa.), hope he doesn't have to throw again at Pioneer Park this season. DeSalvo struck out 12 and walked two for the complete game victory as he improved to 15-1. The Pioneers are now 42-7-1. The Gators fall to 29-10.

"I just had to get the win for my teammates," said DeSalvo, who allowed a season-high 10 hits. "I just wanted to get the win and keep us in the winner's bracket."

His counterpart, Allegheny's Scott Swinchock, was up to the challenge against the Pioneers. Swinchock (7-1) had six strikeouts and allowed eight hits, but timely Marietta hitting gave the Etta Express a win.

"I'm happy with the win. We beat a good team," said MC's veteran coach Don Schaly. "I don't think Marietta or Allegheny played up to their capabilities. I know both teams can hit the ball better and I know both teams can field the ball better."

The Gators, who entered the tournament as the second-ranked team in the nation, made five errors. Marietta didn't have any errors, but two balls were misplayed in left field, resulting in Allegheny doubles.

Allegheny made a late charge with two runs in the eighth, but DeSalvo buckled down to close out the rally. Despite looking tired, DeSalvo remained in the game.

"I was fine," he said. "I think I was thinking about being tired and that affected me."

The Gators had three doubles in the eighth inning by Mark Minadeo, Ben Couch and Bob Spithaler to drive in the two runs. But DeSalvo got Tug Ollock to strike out and Jarrod Essey to fly out to right.

The Pioneers led 5-2 after scoring two runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the sixth. Freshman Matt McLuckey led the Etta Express by going 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs.

"When the game started I was a little nervous, but I think that makes me focus more," said McLuckey, who was the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament MVP last week. "I've been surprised that I keep getting good pitches to hit every at bat."

Junior Dusty Childress went 2 for 2 with one runs, while junior Jay Coakley and senior Mike Deegan each had one hit.

Couch paced the Gators by going 3 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs. Spithaler had two hits and two RBIs.

Box Score

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