TUCSON, Ariz. – The Grace baseball team stumbled against Northwestern (Iowa) this week, losing a two-game series by the scores of 10-6 and 10-2.

The Lancers (4-3) struggled to stop a rolling Red Raiders' offense. Grace averaged 9.6 runs per game coming into this series, but the Lancer bats waivered against Northwestern who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The series began with a dogfight as both teams exchanged offensive blows throughout the game. Northwestern struck first with four runs in the first inning, but the Lancers fought back by scoring five unanswered runs to take the lead.

The Lancers' lead would be short-lived, however as the Red Raiders struck back with six unanswered runs of their own. Grace scratched across one run in the ninth, but it would not be enough for the Lancers to be victorious.

Freshman Chase Baker went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, Paul Blankley went 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs, and Austin Green added an RBI of his own. Alex Mosbarger threw three outstanding innings in relief without allowing any runs or hits in the loss.

The Red Raiders took momentum into the second game of the series and won 10-2. Grace had eight hits in the game, but the Lancers stranded 10 baserunners to hurt its own cause. The Lancers' offense was led by a fantastic performance from Aaron Christenberry who went 2-for-3 on the day with two doubles, a walk and a sacrifice bunt. Frank Rocchio was 2-for-2 with two walks, and Green added two hits as well.

The Lancers look to bounce back on Friday against the Dakota State Trojans (0-4).