FORT MYERS, Fla. - Carroll University (3-2) dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker on Saturday afternoon to Illinois College (1-1).

Illinois college would get on the board in the second inning as they would plate three runs on three consecutive two out singles to take the early 3-0 lead.

The Pios would have chances offensively in the first three innings stranding runners at first and third in the first inning and leaving the bases loaded in the second and third innings.

In the bottom of the seventh Carroll would get on the board.  Jacob Horner would lead off the inning with a walk and a steal of second base.  Pinch hitter Matt Putman would double with one out to deep left center to score Horner and cut the lead to 3-1.   A two-out ground ball that was thrown away at first base would plate Putman, however the tying run would be thrown out at home leaving the Pios still trailing 3-2 after seven complete.

Illinois College would tack on an insurance run in the eighth to extend the lead to 4-2.

Pinch hitter Zach Meyer would triple to lead off the bottom half of the eighth inning and score on a one out sacrifice fly to center field off the bat of Mitch Carlson to bring the Pios within 4-3 heading to the ninth.

Putman would lead off the ninth inning drawing a walk but a double play ball would end the rally and the inning, leaving the Pios coming up short 4-3.

Alex Morland (1-1) would take the tough luck loss on the mound.  Morland would work seven strong innings, giving up seven hits while striking out 7.

The Pioneers return to action Sunday as they face MacMurray College at noon EST.  Be sure to get live game updates on Twitter @Pio_Baseball.