Cincinnati, Ohio — Creighton Baseball suffered its first series defeat of the 2024 season as the Bluejays fell to Xavier 7-3 on Sunday, April 14.
The loss moved the Bluejays to 26-7 on the season and 3-3 in BIG EAST action, while Xavier climbed to 17-18 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
Xavier jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, touching Creighton starter Jimmy Burke for a two-run double by Luke Hammond. Creighton’s defense kept them in the game though as the Bluejays escaped a bases loaded jam in the first with an inning-ending double play. The Bluejays also got out of jams in the third and fifth frames with double plays.
Stymied by Xavier starter Luke Hoskins for five innings, but touched reliever Alex Vera in the seventh. Teddy Deters got the Bluejays going with a double to right center, then Nolan Clifford deposited his fourth home run over the right field wall to knot the game at 2-2.
Xavier responded with five runs on two hits in the eighth inning. The pivotal blow came by Hayden Chrisitansen via a two-run double down the left field line.
Daniel Hammond took the loss (3-1), allowing fve runs (three earned) on four hits over two innings. Xavier reliever Jake Lambdin earned the win (1-0) with 2.2 innings of one-run ball.
Creighton is scheduled to face #23 Nebraska in a midweek road game on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m., but weather calls for Thunderstorms on Tuesday.
