MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – Grace's baseball team was outdueled twice in a pair of losses to Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Monday.

The Lancers (10-11, 3-3 Crossroads League) lost 4-3 in the opener on a walkoff home run before falling 13-2 in the second game.

In the first game, Grace jumped out to an early lead against the Cougars (12-6, 3-1 CL). After losing baserunners in each of the first two innings, Grace broke onto the scoreboard in the third. Brook Vosler drove in the first run with a single up the middle. Aaron Christenberry came up on the next at-bat to drive in another run, and Frank Rocchio doubled down the left field line to bring in Vosler.

Mt. Vernon countered with a two-run home run in the bottom of the third to make the score 3-2. Grace clung to its one-run lead until the bottom of the fifth when a Cougars' solo homer tied the game.

Grace was unable to produce a baserunner over the final two innings, setting the stage for Mt. Vernon's walkoff winner. Efrain Montero led off the inning with the game-winning swing, sending a 2-2 pitch over the left field fence for the 4-3 win.

Vosler was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI from the leadoff position, and Christenberry tossed a complete game from the mound.

In the second game, Grace hurt its own cause early with three errors over the first two innings. The Cougars capitalized with six runs – all unearned – to go ahead 6-0.

The Lancers struck back with two runs in the fourth. Austin Baker singled, and Matt Morgart drove him in with two outs. Morgart later came in the score off a misplayed grounder.

Mt. Vernon responded with seven unanswered runs for the final score of 13-2. Grace was only outhit 11-8 in the second game. The Lancers left seven runners on base compared to five for Mt. Vernon.

Christenberry finished 2-for-4 from the plate, and Austin Green was 2-for-3. Morgart was 1-for-2 with a run and an RBI, and Jared Mitzelfelt tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

The Lancers will get another shot against the Cougars on Tuesday. The doubleheader in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, starts at 1 p.m.