KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carroll University baseball team dropped an 8–3 decision to Carthage on Tuesday afternoon at Augie Schmidt Field, as a five-run fifth inning proved to be the difference.

Carroll struck first in the opening inning when Leo Matuga launched a solo home run, giving the Pioneers an early 1–0 lead. Carthage responded with runs in the first and second innings to move in front, but Carroll answered back in the fourth.

In the top of the fourth, Carroll regained the lead with a pair of runs. Brody Ferko drove in a run on a groundout, and Ryan Kopecky followed with an RBI single to put the Pioneers ahead 3–2.

Carthage answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game before breaking it open in the fifth. The Firebirds plated five runs in the frame, highlighted by a three-run home run, to take control of the contest.

Carroll finished the game with six hits, led by Dalen Lamberson, who went 2-for-2 at the plate, while Matuga, Ross Olsen, Kopecky, and Justin Cusimano each added hits. Matuga drove in one run and accounted for Carroll's lone extra-base hit with his first-inning homer.

On the mound, Braden Lewis worked the first five innings for Carroll, striking out four, before the Pioneers turned to the bullpen for the final three frames. Isaac Verbruggen and Chayce Schultz combined to hold Carthage scoreless late.

Carroll will look to bounce back as conference play continues tomorrow as they host Carthage at 5pm.