2004 Baseball Game-by-Game Recaps

June 1, vs. Oklahoma City University
The sixth-seeded Cougars saw their season come to an end as MVNU fell 10-2 to top-seeded Oklahoma City in the loser's bracket of the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. The Stars, who finished as the national runner-up the past two seasons and improved to 72-6 with the win, used four home runs to propel them to the victory. Adam Rowe (10-3) suffered the loss for the Cougars in his final collegiate game as he allowed nine hits, four walks, and eight runs over six innings with four strikeouts. Offensively, Jason Irish led the way by going 3-for-5, while Kyle Peters and Chris McKinney each added two hits. MVNU stranded 12 baserunners in the game as they had several chances to score early in the game but came up empty. The Cougars finish tied for fifth place at the 10-team event - the best finish for the program in its second appearance.  McKinney and Nick Schwartz were both selected to the 15-player All-Tournament Team.  BOXSCORE

May 31, vs. William Penn (IA) University
MVNU, the sixth seed, rallied from an early 4-0 deficit to post an 11-6 victory over eighth-seeded William Penn in the loser's bracket at the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. Justin Clarey went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and three RBI, while Chris McKinney also added three hits to the 17-hit attack. Kyle Peters, Jason Irish, Tim Martini, and Jeff Derr each had two hits with Derr pounding his first home run of the year. Meanwhile, Mike Laughlin (8-2) earned the win on the mound as he scattered nine hits, two walks, and six runs over seven innings with two strikeouts to match the Cougars' record for most wins by a freshman pitcher. Irish tossed two scoreless innings of relief to notch his first career save as he allowed just one hit and three walks with one strikeout.  BOXSCORE

May 29, vs. Jamestown (ND) College
The sixth-seeded Cougars stayed alive at the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, as MVNU eliminated tenth-seeded Jamestown 7-0 in the loser's bracket. Nick Schwartz (9-5) tossed a three-hit shutout as he went all nine innings on the mound. Schwartz struck out four batters and issued just three walks. Meanwhile, Kyle Peters paced the offensive attack by going 3-for-3 with two singles, a triple, two runs scored and two RBI. Jason Irish and Steve Edwards also added two hits apiece with Edwards scoring twice.  BOXSCORE

May 28, at Lewis-Clark State (ID) College
MVNU, the sixth-seed, fell 2-0 to third-seeded Lewis-Clark State, the host school and 13-time NAIA national champion, in the first round of the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. Adam Rowe (10-2) was outstanding on the mound in the loss as he allowed just six hits, three walks, and one earned run over nine innings while matching his career high with 13 strikeouts. Offensively, Steve Edwards recorded two of the Cougars' three hits, while Chris McKinney added one single.  BOXSCORE

May 20, vs. Palm Beach Atlantic (FL) University
The Cougars were eliminated from the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament in Celina, Ohio, as fourth-seeded MVNU fell 3-2 to sixth-seeded Palm Beach Atlantic in the loser's bracket.  Jason Irish (7-3) took the loss as he allowed just four hits, four walks, and three runs over six innings with four strikeouts.  Offensively, Dan Matheney, who was selected to the NCCAA All-National Tournament Team, and Carl Langley each had two hits, while Nate Rutkowski and Tim Martini each drove in a run.  Palm Beach Atlantic went on to finish as the runner-up to Dallas Baptist (TX) University.  BOXSCORE

May 20, vs. Dallas Baptist (TX) University
MVNU, the fourth seed, managed just two hits and the Cougars suffered their first loss at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament as the team fell 2-1 to top-seeded Dallas Baptist, an NCAA Division I team.  Nick Schwartz (8-5) took the tough-luck loss on the mound despite allowing just five hits, one walk, and two runs over seven innings with three strikeouts.  (MVNU has scored just two total runs in Schwartz's five losses this year.)  Offensively, Dan Matheney and Chris McKinney each singled to account for the team's two hits.  The Cougars' lone run came on a suicide squeeze bunt by Tim Martini in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Dallas Baptist went on to win its second straight NCCAA national title.  BOXSCORE

May 19, vs. Judson (IL) College
The Cougars successfully began play at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament in Celina, Ohio, as fourth-seeded MVNU downed fifth-seeded Judson 8-1. Adam Rowe (10-1) earned the win as he scattered seven hits, three walks, and one run over seven innings with five strikeouts. Meanwhile, the Cougars pounded out 15 hits as Jason Irish led the way by going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Chris McKinney, Dan Matheney, Kyle Peters, and Steve Edwards each added two hits with McKinney pounding a home run.  BOXSCORE

May 14, vs. Saint Vincent (PA) College
MVNU completed its sweep through the NAIA Region IX Tournament as the Cougars registered a season-high 25 hits on the way to defeating second-seeded Saint Vincent 16-5 to earn its second NAIA World Series berth and first since 1997.  Jason Irish (7-2) earned the win on the mound as he scattered 10 hits and five runs over nine innings with six strikeouts and no walks.  Irish also went 4-for-5 at the plate to finish the tournament hitting a team-best .692.  Steve Edwards also went 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBI, and three runs scored, while Justin Clarey added three hits and four RBI.  Dan Matheney, Carl Langley, and Tim Martini each registered three hits, and Kyle Peters and Chris McKinney finished with two hits apiece.  MVNU batted .477 for the tournament (62-for-130) and outscored its opponents 46-13.  BOXSCORE    TEAM PHOTO    SENIORS

May 13, vs. Saint Vincent (PA) College
The Cougars pounded out 21 hits (20 singles) as MVNU downed second-seeded Saint Vincent 19-1 in the winner's bracket finals of the NAIA Region IX Tournament in Canton, Ohio.  Adam Rowe (9-1) notched the win on the mound as he allowed just seven hits, two walks, and one run over nine innings with a career-high 13 strikeouts.  Meanwhile, Chris McKinney led the hit parade for top-seeded MVNU by going 4-for-5 with four RBI and three runs scored.  Dan Matheney, Jason Irish, Justin Clarey, Steve Edwards, Ari Yoder, Ty Dendinger, and Tim Martini also contributed two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

May 12, vs. University of Rio Grande
MVNU used a nine-run seventh inning to rally for an 11-7 victory over fourth-seeded Rio Grande in the first game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament in Canton, Ohio.  Trailing 6-1, the top-seeded Cougars sent 14 batters to the plate in the top of the seventh and led 10-6 when the inning ended.  Nick Schwartz (8-4) earned the victory as he scattered nine hits, two walks, and six runs over six innings with three strikeouts.  Carl Langley tossed the final three innings and allowed just three hits and a run with one strikeout to notch his first save.  Langley also led the 16-hit offensive attack by going 3-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI, while Dan Matheney was 4-for-5 with two doubles.  Jason Irish and Steve Edwards added three and two hits respectively, and Chris McKinney added a bases-loaded three-run double in the decisive seventh inning.  BOXSCORE

May 6, WALSH UNIVERSITY
The Cougars posted a 9-2 victory in the second game of their American Mideast Conference Tournament best-of-three series with Walsh to win the series and advance to the NAIA Region IX Tournament.  Head coach Keith Veale also notched his 500th victory with the win.  Nick Schwartz (7-4) scattered nine hits, one walk, and two runs over nine innings with 10 strikeouts to earn the victory on the mound.  Offensively, Carl Langley had a three-run homer in the fourth inning.  Kyle Peters went 3-for-5, while Steve Edwards had two hits with three RBI.  Dan Matheney also added two hits.  BOXSCORE

May 6, WALSH UNIVERSITY
MVNU opened postseason play by defeating Walsh 14-1 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference Tournament best-of-three series.  Adam Rowe (8-1) allowed just six hits, two walks, and one run over seven innings to earn the victory.  Meanwhile, Jason Irish went 2-for-3 with two home runs, five RBI, and three runs scored.  Tim Martini added three hits including a grand slam, and Dan Matheney finished with three hits.  Kyle Peters, Chris McKinney, and Steve Edwards also registered two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

May 4, at Wright State University
The Cougars fell 4-2 at NCAA Division I Wright State in a non-conference nine-inning game to close out the regular season.  Derek Morey (2-3) suffered the loss in relief as he allowed four hits (two of which were home runs) and three runs in two innings of work with three strikeouts.  Adam Rowe, Nick Schwartz, Carl Langley, Jason Irish, and Justin Clarey each threw one scoreless inning, while Mike Laughlin allowed one unearned run in his inning of work.  Offensively, Irish led the way by going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Kyle Peters also had two hits.  BOXSCORE

May 1, at University of Rio Grande
MVNU dropped the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader at Rio Grande 13-5, but the Cougars still won the four-game series 3-1. Mike Laughlin (7-2) took the loss as he allowed six hits, seven walks, and nine runs over two-plus innings with two strikeouts. Devin Miller tossed the final four innings and scattered six hits, one walk, and four runs with two strikeouts. Offensively, Carl Langley and Ray McFerren each had two hits, while Tim Martini drove in two runs and robbed a home run with a catch at the fence.  BOXSCORE

May 1, at University of Rio Grande
Jason Irish (6-2) scattered nine hits, one walk, and four runs over seven innings with nine strikeouts as the Cougars downed Rio Grande 6-4 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill. Justin Clarey paced the offense by going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Steve Edwards was 3-for-4. Chris McKinney and Kyle Peters each added two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

April 30, at University of Rio Grande
Nick Schwartz (6-4) allowed just two hits - both solo home runs - and MVNU posted a 5-2 win at Rio Grande in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill.  Schwartz worked all seven innings with six strikeouts and two walks.  Offensively, Justin Clarey and Kyle Peters both had two hits and an RBI, and Carl Langley added two hits of his own.  BOXSCORE

April 30, at University of Rio Grande
Kyle Peters drove in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning as the Cougars rallied from two runs down in their final at bat for a 9-8 victory at Rio Grande in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  The win clinched the AMC South Division title outright for MVNU.  Adam Rowe (7-1) earned the victory - the 30th of his career - as he worked all seven innings and scattered 11 hits, three walks, and eight runs with five strikeouts.  Peters, Justin Clarey, and Chris McKinney each had three hits, while Jason Irish added two hits including a home run.  Eight of the Cougars' nine runs in the game came with two outs.  BOXSCORE

April 29, MALONE COLLEGE
MVNU used a six-run sixth inning to break open a 4-3 game as the Cougars prevailed 10-3 over Malone in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader to reach the 30-win mark for the 14th time in school history.  Steve Edwards went 3-for-4 with four RBI and his first home run of the season, while Dan Matheney was 3-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI.  Nate Rutkowski added a pair of singles, and Jason Irish hit a solo home run.  Ryan Decker (1-1) earned the victory as he allowed seven hits and three runs over five innings with three strikeouts and no walks.  Kyle Irish and Justin Clarey both tossed one scoreless inning each in relief.  BOXSCORE

April 29, MALONE COLLEGE
The Cougars dropped a 9-6 decision to Malone in the first game of a non-conference twinbill as the Pioneers rallied from an early 5-3 deficit.  Devin Miller (0-2) suffered the loss for MVNU in relief as he gave up five hits, two walks, and five runs over three innings with one strikeout.  Derek Morey started and worked the first three innings as he allowed seven hits, two walks, and three runs with four strikeouts.  Kyle Peters worked the final inning and surrendered two hits and a run.  Offensively, Chris McKinney paced the Cougars with a home run, a single, and three RBI, while Steve Edwards added a triple and a single.  BOXSCORE

April 24, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Mike Laughlin (7-1) tossed a two-hit shutout - his third of the year - as MVNU blanked Shawnee State 4-0 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader to take the four-game series 3-1.  The Cougars also clinched at least a share of the AMC South Division title.  Laughlin allowed just two hits and two walks over seven innings with seven strikeouts.  Meanwhile, Ari Yoder led the offense by going 3-for-3.  All four of MVNU's runs were unearned and came in the bottom of the fourth inning.  BOXSCORE

April 24, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars held on for a 7-6 victory over Shawnee State in the first game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill.  Jason Irish (5-2) earned the victory as he scattered nine hits, three walks, and six runs over 6 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts.  Kyle Peters recorded the final two outs with two walks as he notched his fourth save.  Dan Matheney led the 12-hit offensive attack by going 3-for-3 with two runs scored, while Nate Rutkowski was 2-for-2 with two runs scored.  Justin Clarey and Chris McKinney each drove in a pair of runs.  BOXSCORE

April 23, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
MVNU pounded out 12 hits and Nick Schwartz (5-4) pitched a complete game as the Cougars downed Shawnee State 8-1 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  Justin Clarey hit a pair of two-run homers to move into second place on the MVNU career home run list with 29, while Nate Rutkowski went 2-for-2 with four RBI.  Dan Matheney added three hits, and Carl Langley and Ty Dendinger each contributed two hits apiece.  Meanwhile, Schwartz allowed just five hits and one run over seven innings with seven strikeouts and no walks to earn the win.  BOXSCORE

April 23, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars collected just six hits as MVNU was shut out 4-0 in 14 innings by Shawnee State in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill.  The Cougars stranded nine base runners in the game including leaving the bases loaded twice in extra innings in the longest game for MVNU since a 16-inning contest in 1986.  Adam Rowe started and worked 11 shutout innings as he allowed just four hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.  Derek Morey (2-2) took the loss as he gave up eight hits, three walks, and four runs in three innings with three strikeouts.  Six different players each had a single for the Cougars.  BOXSCORE

April 20, OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
MVNU managed just five hits as the Cougars dropped a non-conference game to Ohio Wesleyan 13-3.  Devin Miller (0-1), Bobby Shaw, Brian Barrish, and Ryan Decker all combined on the mound to allow 13 hits and 12 earned runs while issuing six walks with four strikeouts.  Dan Matheney led the MVNU offense by going 2-for-4.  All three runs for the Cougars scored as the result of four errors by the Battlin' Bishops' defense.  BOXSCORE

April 19, URBANA UNIVERSITY
The Cougars pounded out 15 hits and Nick Schwartz (4-4) tossed a five-hit shutout as MVNU blanked Urbana 6-0 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader to sweep the four-game series.  Schwartz scattered five singles over seven innings while striking out eight batters with no walks to notch his first career shutout.  Offensively, Dan Matheney led the way with three hits, while Kyle Peters, Chris McKinney, and Nate Rutkowski each added two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

April 19, URBANA UNIVERSITY
MVNU used a seven-run sixth inning to cap off a 13-3 victory over Urbana in the first game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill.  Ari Yoder led the way with the first two home runs of his career - the second of which was a grand slam - as he drove in five runs.  Justin Clarey went 3-for-3 with four RBI and his team-leading fourth homer, while Dan Matheney added three hits.  Kyle Peters also registered two hits, and Brent Zimmerman hit his first home run.  Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (6-1) allowed just six hits, two walks, and three runs over six innings with eight strikeouts to pick up the win.  BOXSCORE

April 17, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars used an eight-run fourth inning to rally for a 14-8 victory over Cedarville in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader as MVNU took the four-game series 3-1.  Chris McKinney led the 14-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with five RBI and a home run, while Justin Clarey was 3-for-4 with four RBI, a double, and a home run.  Jason Irish, Ray McFerren, and Brent Zimmerman also added two hits each.  Meanwhile, Carl Langley (1-0) picked up the win in relief as he scattered nine hits and four runs over the final four innings with four strikeouts.  Ryan Decker started and worked three innings as he gave up five hits, one walk, and four runs - only one earned - with three strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

April 17, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
MVNU scored in every inning except the fourth as the Cougars prevailed 8-1 over Cedarville in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill.  Derek Morey (2-1) earned the win as he allowed eight hits, three walks, and one run over seven innings with one strikeout.  Offensively, Jason Irish led the way by going 2-for-3 with three RBI.  Dan Matheney and Kyle Peters each added two hits and scored two runs apiece.  BOXSCORE

April 16, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars rallied in the fifth, seventh, and eighth innings for a hard-fought 8-7 victory in eight innings over Cedarville in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill.    Dan Matheney's RBI-single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning ended the game.  Matheney, Justin Clarey, Chris McKinney, and Brent Zimmerman each had two hits in the game with Clarey hitting his second home run of the year.  Kyle Peters (3-0) earned the win in relief as he worked 1 2/3 innings and allowed just two hits, one walk, and one unearned run with three strikeouts.  Mike Laughlin started and worked the first 6 1/3 innings and allowed nine hits, one walk, and six runs with five strikeouts.  He had a no-hitter until the top of the fourth inning when Cedarville recorded seven hits and plated five runs.  BOXSCORE

April 16, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
MVNU managed just four hits as the Cougars had their four-game winning streak snapped 3-1 by Cedarville in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  Justin Clarey collected two of the team's four hits, while Chris McKinney's RBI-single plated the only run.  On the mound, Jason Irish (4-2) took the loss as he allowed eight hits, one walk, and three runs over seven innings with six strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

April 15, at Urbana University
The Cougars pounded out a season-high 20 hits as MVNU cruised past Urbana 11-2 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill. Chris McKinney led the offense with a career-high four hits incluing a pair of doubles, while Dan Matheney, Jason Irish, and Steve Edwards added three hits apiece. Tim Martini also finished with two hits. On the mound, Nick Schwartz (3-4) was dominating as he allowed just six hits, two walks, and two runs over seven innings while striking out a career-high 13 batters.  BOXSCORE

April 15, at Urbana University
MVNU rallied for a 7-5 victory in eight innings in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader at Urbana. Kyle Peters led the 13-hit attack by going 3-for-5, while Tim Martini added a pair of hits and drove in the tying run with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. Jason Irish and Justin Clarey also finished with two hits apiece. Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (5-1) earned the win on the mound as he scattered eight hits, five walks, and five runs over seven innings. He also struck out eight batters to move into second place on MVNU's career strikeout list with 259 strikeouts. Kyle Peters came on to pitch a perfect eighth inning for his third save.  BOXSCORE

April 10, at Ohio Dominican University
The Cougars held on for a 4-3 victory over Ohio Dominican, ranked 13th in the latest NAIA national poll, as MVNU won the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader to sweep the twinbill and take the series three games to one. Mike Laughlin (6-1) earned the victory as he allowed just five hits and three runs over seven innings with five strikeouts. Meanwhile, Justin Clarey homered and singled and Tim Martini added a pair of doubles to pace the offense.  BOXSCORE

April 10, at Ohio Dominican University
Jason Irish (4-1) allowed just three hits and one walk over seven innings with four strikeouts as he tossed his first career shutout in MVNU's 4-0 victory over Ohio Dominican, ranked 13th in the latest NAIA national poll, in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader. Irish induced 12 ground ball outs that included three double plays as he faced just 22 batters (one over the minimum). Offensively, Dan Matheney, Justin Clarey, and Chris McKinney each had two hits apiece, while Irish helped his own cause with a two-run homer.  BOXSCORE

April 8, at Ohio Dominican University
The Cougars managed just three hits as MVNU fell 6-0 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill at Ohio Dominican, ranked 13th in the latest NAIA national poll.  Nick Schwartz (2-4) suffered the loss as he allowed 11 hits and six runs over six innings with nine strikeouts.  Offensively, Dan Matheney went 2-for-3, while Justin Clarey also singled once.  BOXSCORE

April 8, at Ohio Dominican University
MVNU held on for a 7-5 victory over Ohio Dominican, ranked 13th in the latest NAIA national poll, in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  Adam Rowe (4-1) earned the victory as he scattered seven hits, four walks, and five runs over six innings with five strikeouts.  Mike Laughlin pitched a perfect seventh inning with one strikeout to record his first save.  Meanwhile, Chris McKinney and Steve Edwards led the Cougars' offensive attack with three hits apiece, while Dan Matheney and Justin Clarey each added two hits.  BOXSCORE

April 5, at Tiffin University
Mike Laughlin (5-1) tossed a two-hit shutout as the Cougars blanked Tiffin 6-0 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill as MVNU swept the four-game series with the Dragons.  Laughlin notched his second shutout of the year as he walked just three batters over seven innings with seven strikeouts.  Meanwhile, Jason Irish went 3-for-4 at the plate, and Kyle Peters added two hits.  BOXSCORE

April 5, at Tiffin University
MVNU pulled away for a 7-3 victory at Tiffin in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  Dan Matheney and Carl Langley each had two hits, while Nate Rutkowski and Steve Edwards each drove in two runs.  On the mound, Jason Irish (3-1) picked up the victory as he allowed just five hits, four walks, and three runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

April 3, at Tiffin University
The Cougars built a 7-0 lead and held on for a 9-6 victory over Tiffin in the second game of an American Mideast Conference South Division doubleheader.  Justin Clarey, Jason Irish, and Steve Edwards each registered three hits, while Kyle Peters added two hits and Carl Langley hit a three-run homer.  Meanwhile, Nick Schwartz (2-3) earned the victory on the mound as he allowed 10 hits, three walks, and one earned run over seven innings with five strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

April 3, at Tiffin University
MVNU rallied from an early 2-1 deficit for a 13-6 win over Tiffin in the first game of an American Mideast Conference South Division twinbill.  Carl Langley led the 15-hit Cougar attack by going 3-for-5 with a three-run home run, while Steve Edwards added three hits.  Dan Matheney, Justin Clarey, and Chris McKinney also contributed two hits apiece.  Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (3-1) earned the win as he scattered 10 hits, three walks, and six runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

March 27, vs. Sewanee (TN) University
The Cougars held on for a wild 10-7 victory over Sewanee in MVNU's final game at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida.  Nick Schwartz (1-3) earned the win as he allowed just four hits, two walks, and one unearned run over six innings with six strikeouts.  After Sewanee scored six runs - five of which were unearned - off of Brian Barrish in the top of the seventh inning, Kyle Peters came on to record the final out and notch his second save.  Offensively, Jason Irish led the 12-hit attack by going 3-for-3, while Justin Clarey and Ty Dendinger each had two hits.  BOXSCORE

March 27, vs. Calvin (MI) College
MVNU downed Calvin 8-4 in action at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida, as the Cougars banged out 12 hits.  Kyle Peters led the way by going 3-for-4 with three runs scored, while Justin Clarey added two hits and four RBI.  Jason Irish also tallied two hits.  Meanwhile, Mike Laughlin (4-1) earned the win on the mound as he scattered seven hits, one walk, and four runs over 4 1/3 innings with four strikeouts.  Carl Langley recorded two outs and allowed a walk, while Kyle Peters notched his first save by tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

March 26, vs. University of St. Thomas (MN)
The Cougars dropped a 12-7 decision to St. Thomas in the nightcap of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Dan Matheney and Jason Irish each had two hits as part of MVNU's 10-hit attack. Ryan Decker (0-1) suffered the loss as he started and allowed eight hits, two walks, and seven runs in 2 1/3 innings of work. Devin Miller allowed six hits and four runs over 3 2/3 innings with two strikeouts, while Kyle Irish gave up one hit and one run with two strikeouts in one inning of work.  BOXSCORE

March 26, vs. University of St. Thomas (MN)
MVNU managed just four hits as the Cougars were shut out 3-0 by St. Thomas in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Adam Rowe (2-1) suffered the loss despite allowing just six hits and three runs over six innings with three strikeouts. Offensively, Ty Dendinger collected half of the Cougars four hits as he went 2-for-2.  BOXSCORE

March 24, vs. William Woods (MO) University
The Cougars took advantage of seven errors by William Woods to post an 8-2 victory in the second game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Derek Morey (1-1) earned the win as he allowed five hits, one walk, and two runs over seven innings. Meanwhile, Brent Zimmerman, Jason Irish, and Dan Matheney each recorded two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

March 24, vs. William Woods (MO) University
MVNU dropped a hard-fought 2-1 decision to William Woods in the first game of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Jason Irish went 2-for-2 to lead the Cougars, who managed just six hits in the game. On the mound, Irish (2-1) took the loss despite allowing just five hits and two runs with five strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

March 23, at Florida Gulf Coast University
Mike Laughlin (3-1) tossed a three-hitter to lead the Cougars to a 3-1 win at Florida Gulf Coast in the second game of a twinbill in conjunction with the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Laughlin worked all seven innings and allowed just five walks and one run with seven strikeouts against the NCAA Division II Eagles. Meanwhile, Tim Martini paced the offense by going 3-for-4. Carl Langley added two hits and two RBI, and Justin Clarey tripled and scored twice.  BOXSCORE

March 23, at Florida Gulf Coast University
MVNU dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision at Florida Gulf Coast in the first game of a doubleheader that was part of the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Nick Schwartz (0-3) suffered another hard-luck loss as he allowed just five hits, three walks, and one run with three strikeouts. The only run of the game came on a safety squeeze in the bottom of the sixth inning. Offensively, Andrew Thompson and Carl Langley each had two hits.  BOXSCORE

March 22, vs. Westminster (MO) College
The Cougars scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 4-3 victory over Westminster as MVNU swept a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Jason Irish broke a 3-3 tie with an RBI-single to provide the winning margin. Justin Clarey and Tim Martini led the offensive attack by each going 3-for-3, while Irish and Kyle Peters added two hits apiece. On the mound, Ryan Decker pitched six strong innings as he allowed just two hits and five walks with two strikeouts in his first collegiate start. Peters (2-0) worked the final inning and picked up the win despite allowing two hits, three walks, and three runs with one strikeout.  BOXSCORE

March 22, vs. Westminster (MO) College
Adam Rowe (2-0) tossed a two-hit shutout as MVNU blanked Westminster 15-0 in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Rowe struck out 13 batters and issued three walks in seven innings of work. Meanwhile, the Cougars' offense pounded out a season-high 19 hits with Dan Matheney leading the way by going 5-for-5 with three runs scored. Steve Edwards was also 3-for-3, while Kyle Peters, Justin Clarey, Kyle Irish, and Brent Zimmerman all added two hits apiece.  BOXSCORE

March 20, vs. Knox (IL) College
The Cougars rallied for a 10-5 victory over Knox at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Steve Edwards' three-run double highlighted a six-run sixth inning as MVNU posted the win. Jason Irish went 2-for-3 with a home run, while Dan Matheney and Ray McFerren each added two hits. Meanwhile, Kyle Peters (1-0) earned the victory in relief as he allowed just two hits, one walk, and one unearned run over two innings with two strikeouts. Derek Morey started and worked five innings as he allowed six hits, one walk, and four unearned runs with two strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

March 20, vs. Teikyo Post (CT) University
Jason Irish (2-0) tossed a three-hitter as MVNU downed Teikyo Post 5-1 in action at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Irish worked seven innings and allowed just three hits, one walk, and one run with three strikeouts. Meanwhile, Justin Clarey went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, and Nate Rutkowski added two singles.  BOXSCORE

March 19, vs. Warner Southern (FL) College
The Cougars were shut out 7-0 by Warner Southern, ranked fourth in the NAIA preseason poll, in action at the Gene Cusic Classic. MVNU managed just five hits in the game - all singles. Nick Schwartz (0-2) suffered the loss as he allowed 11 hits, two walks, and six runs over five innings with five strikeouts. Bobby Shaw worked the final inning and allowed one hit, one walk, and one run.  BOXSCORE

March 19, vs. University of Minnesota Duluth
MVNU fell 7-2 to Minnesota Duluth in action at the Gene Cusic Classic in Cape Coral, Florida. Mike Laughlin (2-1) gave up three hits, three walks, and five runs over 3 1/3 innings of work with five strikeouts as he suffered his first loss. Ryan Decker and Devin Miller also allowed one run and two walks each in relief. Offensively, Jason Irish led the Cougars by going 2-for-3 with his first home run of the season. Dan Matheney also added two hits.  BOXSCORE

March 18, vs. New England (NH) College
Adam Rowe (1-0) tossed a one-hitter as the Cougars cruised past New England 11-1 in action at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. Rowe allowed just one unearned run over five innings while striking out nine batters with no walks. Meanwhile, Jason Irish went 3-for-3 with two doubles and five RBI, while Justin Clarey also went 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI.  BOXSCORE

March 10, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWARK
Mike Laughlin (2-0) tossed a two-hit shutout as MVNU blanked Ohio State-Newark 10-0 in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader.  Laughlin also struck out a career-high 10 batters and issued just one walk.  Steve Edwards and Dan Matheney each registered two hits to pace the Cougars' offensive attack, and Kyle Peters scored three runs.  BOXSCORE

March 10, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWARK
The Cougars pounded out a season-high 12 hits and took advantage of four errors to score six unearned runs as MVNU downed Ohio State-Newark 7-2 in the first game of a non-conference twinbill.  Chris McKinney led the hitting attack by going 3-for-4, while Ty Dendinger and Dan Matheney each added two hits.  Meanwhile, Jason Irish (1-0) earned the victory on the mound as he allowed just four hits, three walks, and two runs over seven innings with eight strikeouts.  BOXSCORE

March 9, DENISON UNIVERSITY
MVNU fell 9-2 in a non-conference nine-inning game to Denison, ranked 21st in the NCAA Division III preseason poll.  Chris McKinney collected two of the Cougars' four hits, while Kyle Peters tripled and Carl Langley added an RBI-double.  Derek Morey (0-1) took the loss as he started and allowed 10 hits and four runs over 3 1/3 innings with one strikeout.  Carl Langley worked 2 2/3 innings and gave up seven hits, two walks, and three runs with one strikeout, while Ryan Decker struck out four batters over the final three innings as he allowed one hit and two unearned runs.  BOXSCORE

March 6, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY
The Cougars managed just two hits - singles by Chris McKinney and Brent Zimmerman - as MVNU fell 3-1 to Capital in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader.  Nick Schwartz (0-1) took the hard-luck loss on the mound despite allowing just five hits, three walks, and three runs over seven innings.  Schwartz also struck out a career-high 10 batters.  BOXSCORE

March 6, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY
MVNU successfully opened the 2004 season as the Cougars rallied for a 5-4 victory over Capital in 12 innings.  Brent Zimmerman, who led MVNU at the plate by going 4-for-6 with two RBI, drove in the winning run with one out in the bottom of the twelfth inning.  Kyle Peters and Justin Clarey also added two hits apiece, and Carl Langley crushed a two-run homer.  On the mound, freshman Mike Laughlin (1-0) picked up the victory in relief as he tossed 6 2/3 innings and allowed just two hits, one walk, and one unearned run while striking out six batters in his college debut.  Jason Irish started and worked 5 1/3 innings and allowed five hits, three walks, and three runs with three strikeouts.  BOXSCORE