BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- The 2016 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin season for Illinois Wesleyan baseball opened with a win and a loss to Elmhurst College at a wind-blown Horenberger Field on Saturday, April 2.

The Titans (8-9, 1-1 CCIW) won game one by a 15-5 score in a game shortened to 6 1/3 innings by the 10-run rule before losing a 4-2 decision in the nightcap to the Bluejays (12-6, 1-1 CCIW).

In game one, sophomore second baseman Gino Cavalieri fell a single short of the cycle as he had a double, triple and home run with three runs batted in to pace a 19-hit IWU attack. Senior designated hitter Matthew Mardis had a four hit game with a double and three singles and knocked in three runs while freshman leftfielder John Bosco also had three hits and two RBI. Junior third baseman Jarrod Juskiewicz had a double and three runs batted in.

Starting hurler Nick Huskisson improved to 5-0 with the win, going six innings and allowing five runs (three earned) on 10 hits with four walks and six strikeouts. Junior Brian Henry struck out two in pitching a scoreless seventh.

With 11 men left on base, the Titans were limited to five hits in the second game and Mardis knocked home both IWU runs. Sophomore starting pitcher Mitch Goll (1-2) was tabbed for all four Elmhurst runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings with three hits, three walks and three strikeouts. Henry again came in to relieve and pitched a solid 5 2/3 shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing one walk and four hits.

What's Next?
The same two teams will play at Elmhurst at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 3. Illinois Wesleyan is back at Horenberger Field for a 3 p.m. CCIW doubleheader against North Park on Tuesday, April 5.