Highlights

Sauget, Ill., May 19, 2017 – The No. 14 Washington University in St. Louis baseball team ended Greenville College's postseason run with a 7-1 victory over the Panthers in an elimination game of the NCAA Division III Tournament Friday afternoon at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill.

WashU improved to 27-9 on the year with the win, while concluding Greenville's 2017 record at 30-17. The Bears totaled 12 hits on the day as four hitters had multi hit performances.

Sophomore John Howard picked up the victory, earning a quality start while pitching six innings allowing one run on three hits and striking out four. Sophomore Zack Kotin closed out the final three innings for the first save of his career. Kotin threw three perfect innings with five strikeouts.

WashU struck first in the second inning with three runs on a bases clearing two out double by junior Auggie Mense. The right fielder fouled several pitches back into the net before lining one down the left field line, plating senior Ted Daley, sophomore Evan Nagel and senior Austin Darmawan.

Greenville closed the gap in the bottom half of the frame when Austin Marsh cleared the fence in left field. The Bears led 3-1 after three innings until tacking on another run in the fifth.

Senior Christian Santos and freshman John Brinkman hit back-to-back singles before senior catcher Tate Maider grounded sharply down the left field line for a run scoring double. The Bears increased their lead to 4-1 in the fifth.

Maider doubled in the eighth inning and moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by junior Conor O'Hara before scoring on a sac fly by Daley. WashU's lead increased to 5-1 prior to a ninth inning two run shot from Santos. Santos hit a line drive shot over the 18-foot fence in left field also scoring senior Ben Browdy, who had previously singled.

Howard improved to 4-3 on the year, while the Bears offense was led by Santos' three hits and two runs scored. Mense's second inning double proved to be the winning hit as he drove in three runs. Also picking up multiple hits on the day were Browdy, Brinkman and Maider.

WashU remains in the hunt for the Central Region Championship against an opponent yet to be determined. The Bears are scheduled to play Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Bears scores and awards by following @WashUBears on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.