FRANKLIN, Ind. (May 7, 2017)- The Franklin College baseball team was defeated twice by Manchester University on Saturday afternoon, concluding the 2017 season. 

Game 1: Manchester-9, Franklin-5

In a must win game for the Grizzlies, the team was unable to withsand a late surge from the Spartans. Manchester struck for two runs in the seventh and ninth inning, proving to be the difference in the game. Frank Podkul led the offense, picking up three hits and three RBIs, including a two run home run.

The loss eliminated Franklin from HCAC tournament contention.

Game 2: Manchester-18, Franklin-7 (7 innings)

The second game saw the Franklin pitching staff struggle to command the strike zone. Manchester was able to work 16 walks in the game and took advantage of the free bases. The Spartans scored multiple runs in five innings, including a six spot in the top of the fourth to blow the game open. The 11 run differential was enough for the game to be called after seven innings, according to HCAC rules. 

Offensively, Jordan Clark, Sam Claycamp, Nick Wright, Jarrod Smith, and Brandt Pawley all recorded two hits. Smith drove in three runs, Wright drove in two, and Clark connected on his first home run of the season.

Thr Grizzlies finish the 2017 season with a  21-17 overall record and 13-12 record in HCAC play, good for fifth place.