WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Catholic University baseball split a doubleheader with Skidmore on Saturday afternoon, winning the first game 3-1 and dropping game two 7-3 at Robert J. Talbot Field. 

A first-year duo kept the Thoroughbreds (1-1) at bay in the first game of the weekend series. Freshman pitcher Tucker Alch led the Cardinals (3-4) with another strong outing for a first game victory, closed out by fellow rookie Brendan Martin. The visitors jumped out to an early lead in game two and added three insurance runs in the top of the ninth to force a rubber match tomorrow afternoon. 

Game 1: Catholic 3 | Skidmore 1

Catholic scored in the first inning, starting with a single by lead-off man Connor Sullivan. Senior Cid Porter then reached on an error by the center fielder, and fellow senior Connor Cozad delivered a two-out infield hit a couple batters later to put the home team up 1-0. 

The Cardinals extended their lead in the third inning. Senior Nolan Lundholm doubled to left center and Cozad followed with a bloop single to right field to put runners at the corners. Cozad's stolen base attempt forced an errant throw that scored Lundholm. Billy Duke then brought in Cozad with a single to right field to put Catholic up 3-0. 

Skidmore got a run back in the fourth inning after a single and a couple passed balls, but could not threaten the lead any further. 

Alch starred on the mound in six innings of work, allowing just one unearned run. The freshman from Houston, Texas scattered five hits, struck out four, and walked just one batter in 91 pitches. Martin replaced Alch in the seventh inning and struck out all three batters he faced for his first career save.  

Game 2: Skidmore 7 | Catholic 3 

The Cardinals fought back from an early deficit, but a handful of errors helped the Thoroughbreds get their first win of the season. Skidmore scored four runs in the first three innings on seven hits for an early advantage. 

Catholic got on the scoreboard in the bottom of fifth, led by a leadoff double from junior Tighe Watson. Sullivan followed with a shot to the fence in right center that resulted in an RBI triple. Porter's RBI groundout made the game 4-2.

After Cozad knocked his third single of the afternoon, senior Will Pyne doubled to right field for the team's third run of the inning. 

The Cardinals were then stifled by Skidmore's Jonathan Kaiser, who retired all nine batters he faced to earn the save. 

Senior Chris Kelly got the start for Catholic, giving up four runs in four innings of work. Sophomore right-hander Skylar McLean impressed in relief, pitching four innings and allowing two unearned runs. 

The Cardinals wrap up their three-game series with Skidmore tomorrow afternoon. First pitch at Talbot Field is set for noon.