Joyce Shines Again as Racers Blank Madonna

LIMA, OH - The nation's top pitcher through eight weeks was in form once again as UNOH picked up their ninth-straight victory in a 2-0 pitcher's duel over conference rival Madonna.

The Racers managed to get a run on the board in their first at-bat but a cold, blustery afternoon kept offense at a premium. It took five scoreless innings for UNOH to get their second run but their ace, Michael Joyce, kept Madonna at bay allowing just two baserunners through eight innings. Joyce got into a bind in the final frame after giving up his only walk of the day to load the bases with one out. However, his defense helped him out of the jam on the next batter with second baseman Tim Hanible making a diving catch in shallow right field and then relaying the ball home to pick off a Crusader runner trying to score. The rare 4-3-2 double play ended the game keeping Joyce's NAIA-leading 0.00 ERA intact.

Hanible also highlighted the offensive side for UNOH as the only Racer with multiple hits going 2-3 in the game. Joyce improves to 4-0 after finishing all nine innings while allowing just three hits with five strikeouts and one walk. 

UNOH and Madonna will battle the elements again on Sunday with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM at Racer Field.