IMMACULATA, Pa.- On Tuesday afternoon, the Immaculata University baseball team was bested by Stockton University 16-8 at home. The Mighty Macs fell behind by six to the Ospreys during the second inning, a lead that stretched to eight runs during the top of the fourth. Half an inning later, Ryan Nace hit his first collegiate home run, a two-run belt over the right field fence, to lessen the deficit. Two innings later, Nace singled to center to drive in the Immaculata's third and fourth runs and continue a five run inning for the Mighty Macs. Stockton continued to apply pressure by crossing the plate in every inning minus first and last inning, leading to a healthy win for the Ospreys.

How it Happened 

• Stockton's lineup batted around in the second inning as Immaculata surrendered five hits as the Ospreys posted six runs. Stockton added a run in both the third and fourth inning, generating an eight run lead over the Mighty Macs.
• Immaculata responded in the bottom of the fourth inning in the form of Ryan Nace's first collegiate home run. Nace turned on a fastball and sent it into the right field netting to score himself and Steven Theisen from first.
• Stockton added three runs off three hits in the following frame, regaining a comfortable edge, 11-3. The Ospreys tacked on two more in the sixth inning, generating a ten run advantage. 
• Immaculata found success in the bottom of the sixth inning as five Mighty Macs crossed the plate. Steven Theisen led off with a single as Sal Serici followed with a double to center. With two runners in scoring position, Ryan Nace singled to center, collecting his third and fourth RBI on the day. Joey Steff and Nick Turnage walked, loading the bases for Joey Mazzone. Mazzone reached on a catcher's interference call, bringing the Macs' fifth run, before Kristian Saucedo walked to push home the sixth, and Will Kelley hit into a fielder's choice for run number seven.
• Stockton added two runs in the seventh off a home run and scored on a flyout in the top of the eighth. 
• Facing a nine run deficit in the ninth inning, Patrick Arnold and Blake Schantz reached on a walk and single, respectively, to open the inning. A wild pitch put Arnold at third and JT Luther, pinch running for Schantz, at second. Steven Theisen hit a sac fly to center to score Arnold in what became the final run of Immaculata's 16-8 loss.

Inside the Numbers 

• Ryan Nace drove in the Mighty Macs first four runs by way of a 2-run home run and 2-run single.
• Steven Theisen scored on both of Nace's hits, adding an RBI of his own. He'd log 5 putouts and 4 assists from second base.
• Sal Serici went 1-3 with a double, a walk, and a run.
• Blake Schantz was 1-1 with a single and a walk.
• Nick Turnage walked in both of his plate appearances.
• Max Swart threw two effective innings in relief. Swart allowed one run, one hit, and struck out two of his ten batters faced.

Up Next 

• The Immaculata baseball team begins Atlantic East Conference play on Friday, 3/28 as the Mighty Macs host Neumann University at 3pm.
• Immaculata completes the season series against the Knights on Saturday, 3/29, where they'll visit Neumann for a 12pm/3pm doubleheader.