Carol Stream, Ill. -- The Wheaton College baseball team fell to Augustana College 6-0 in some Tuesday night conference action at Lee Pfund Stadium. Wheaton's third-straight loss puts them 2-5 in CCIW play and 9-16 overall. The visitors push their conference record to .500 at 3-3 and 12-10 overall.

In a frigid night, the Thunder offense could not build momentum offensively. They scored zero runs on five hits and made three errors in the field. The Vikings were able to capitalize early, scoring six runs on only two hits, playing perfect in the field with no errors. 

Making his fourth start of the season, sophomore pitcher Josh Ortiz gave up six runs, only three earned, allowing two hits and walking five. The bullpen was able to stay hot as Billy Kessler and David Levengood combined for 6-2/3 innings of scoreless relief, while not allowing a hit. The former struck out two batters across 4-2/3 innings of work, his career high in innings pitched. Levengood faced the minimum in two innings on the bump, striking out two. 

Rutledge Feltel continued to dominate at the dish, collecting three hits including a triple. The game marked Feltel's sixth game this season with at least three hits. Freshman Sean Dmytrowicz drilled a double in the third inning, the first hit of his career. For the fourth-straight game, Luke Hamm reached via a single in the second inning. Braden Engel walked to round out what was a quiet day on the bases for the Thunder. 

Ortiz was able to strand a runner at third base in the top of the first inning. However, Augustana was able to cross home in the second inning on a fielder's choice to a 1-0 lead. Both of the Vikings' hits came in the third inning. A double to the left field corner by Ethan Sosnowski brought in a run to make the game 2-0. They were able to score four more runs in the inning, taking a 6-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, Dmytrowicz smashed the first pitch he saw with the ball bouncing off the right centerfield fence for a double. However, he was left stranded at third base. Kessler and Levengood shut down Augustana for the remainder of the game, a bright spot for the Thunder. 

Wheaton continues their six-game home stretch on Thursday with CCIW action against the Elmhurst Blue Jays. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 PM at Lee Pfund Stadium.