FORT MYERS, Fla. - Carroll University (4-4, 0-0 CCIW) led late into Tuesday's game but faltered down the stretch to fall 11-6 to the University of Dubuque (4-3).
Dubuque took the early lead by scoring a pair of runs after two outs in the top of the first inning on three consecutive hits. The Pioneers would answer with an unearned run in the bottom of the inning on an errant throw to cut the lead to 2-1 after an inning.
Both teams would add runs to the board in the third inning as Matt Putman would single and score on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Mitch Carlson to make the score 3-2 in favor of Dubuque.
Dubuque would add a pair of runs on three consecutive hits to open the top of the fourth to extend their lead to 5-2.
Carroll would cut into the deficit with two runs in the bottom of the fifth as Brady Durni would score on a Jake Langford single and Putman would score his second run of the day on a Carlson RBI ground out to make the score 5-4.
The Pios would take the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Jacob Horner would double with two outs and score on a Durni basehit. Durni would advance to second on a errant pick off and promptly score on a Putman single to give Carroll the 6-5 lead.
Dubuque would rally in the seventh as two walks and a fielding error would load the bases with no one out. A single to right field would score a pair to allow Dubuque to retake the lead 7-6. Senior Jake Sweet would limit the damage as he would enter with the bases loaded and no outs in the inning only to get the Pios out of the jam without further runs scoring.
Unfortunately, the Dubuque bats would tack on four runs in the 8th as the Pio bullpen would struggle to push the final score to 11-6.
Sophomore Andrew Stone would have a solid outing on the mound. Stone would work six innings and strike out four while getting the no-decision.
Langford and Putman would both finish the day with three hits to pace the Pioneer offense.
Carroll will get back to work on Wednesday as they face Washington College at 9am EST. Follow live on Twitter @Pio_Baseball.