AVON, Ohio – Hayden Parker went 3-for-3 and Ben Ross homered during game two to earn Notre Dame College (20-20, 14-8 MEC) a split on Saturday afternoon against Wheeling (14-24, 10-12 MEC). The Cardinals took game one 15-5, however Parker's career day and Ross' team leading 13^th home run saved the day for the Falcons, 9-2 in game two.
 
Wheeling got the runs started early in game one with a solo home run off the first pitch of the contest (1-0). WU added to their lead with an RBI single and a two-run double, to quickly move in front 4-0.
 
The Falcons would answer during the home half of the first with a pair of runs. Alec Mendoza and Nick Farrell led the inning off with two singles, followed by Ross' sacrifice fly and NDC was on the board 4-1. Later in the inning, Nick Petrolla forced WU into an error, allowing Notre Dame to tally the second run of the game as N. Farrell scored, 4-2.
 
Wheeling continued the scoring during the second inning with three runs on two hits. An RBI single to left field and two-run double to left center did the damage for the Cardinals, moving the score to 7-2. WU tallied two more runs during the top of the third to jump ahead 9-2.
 
Petrolla generated an RBI single to right field during the home half of the third, scoring N. Farrell who singled earlier in the inning, (9-3).
 
In the sixth, Michael Zeuli reached on an error, allowing Tyler Shadle to score after he singled in the previous at bat (14-4). Shane Mittleman followed up with an RBI triple down the right field line to push NDC's fifth run across (14-5).
 
In game two, Notre Dame flipped the script and jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first inning. After there were two outs and no one on, Ross walked, N. Farrell singled and Petrolla was hit by a pitch to set up Zeuli who drew an RBI walk with the bases loaded, moving NDC in front 1-0.
 
The Falcons continued their offensive pursuit during the very next inning with four runs on four hits. First, Mittleman doubled down the left field line to lead off the frame. Hayden Parker traded places with him during the next at bat with an RBI double to left center (2-0). Austin Mora followed up with an RBI single through the right side and NDC was on top 3-0. A few batters later, Ross knocked a towering two-run home run to deep left center field to cap off Notre Dame's four run second (5-0).
 
In the fourth inning, Wheeling generated their first of five hits during the contest as starting pitcher Alex Dicke was locked in. The freshman picked up his fifth win of the season after he worked 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out one.
 
During the home half of the fourth inning, Notre Dame added to their advantage. First Mendoza laid down a sacrifice bunt, but the Cardinal defense could not properly field the ball resulting in an error. Parker scored on the play after being on second base at the start of the play (6-0). After Ross was intentionally walked, N. Farrell plated NDC's seventh run of the contest with a sacrifice fly to right field. During the very next at bat, Petrolla tallied a sacrifice fly of his own, driving in Mendoza and the eighth Falcon run.
 
Wheeling secured their first run of the game during the top of the fifth inning, however Notre Dame responded with another run during the home half of the frame. Mendoza roped a double to left center, allowing Mittleman to score after he reached via walk (9-1).
 
WU scored one more run during the sixth inning, but NDC's Maximilian Schweiger closed out the contest with 1.1 innings of hitless relief to ensure the 9-2 victory.
 
As aforementioned, Parker's 3-for-3 day at the plate led the way for Notre Dame on offense as Mendoza, N. Farrell and Mittleman also registered three hits on the day. In addition, Mittleman enjoyed a pair of extra-base hits (double, triple), while Ross homered for the 13^th time this season and Mendoza and Parker each doubled in their own respect. In the RBI department, Ross paved the way with three, followed by Petrolla with two and slew of Falcons all with one run driven in.
 
Notre Dame College will be back in action on Sunday Apr. 24 for the final two contests of this four-game set against Wheeling. The two sides will play a doubleheader at Mercy Health Stadium beginning at 1:00 p.m.