Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez. Updated on March 8, 2026 at 10:36 p.m.

Whiting, IN — Gusty winds swept across Oil City Stadium on March 7 as the University of St. Francis Fighting Saints took on the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave in a doubleheader.

It was also the first game on the new turf baseball field.

The two games were scheduled as one nine-inning game and one seven-inning game, but St. Francis ended the opener early with a mercy-rule victory in the seventh inning, winning 19–8.

Game One: St. Francis 19, Calumet 8 (7 innings)

St. Francis’ offense exploded in the opener, with nine of the team’s 10 hitters recording at least one hit.

Senior designated hitter Dylan Scafuri led the charge, hitting a grand slam in the second inning. He finished the game going 4-for-4 at the plate with six RBIs, four runs scored, and two walks. For his performance, he was named the WCCN Player of the Game.

Game Two: St. Francis 9, Calumet 3

In the second game, St. Francis trailed 2–1 heading into the fifth inning. An error by Calumet allowed Mitchell Thomas to score and tie the game.

Shortly after, senior catcher Jake Merda delivered a triple to right field, bringing home two runners and giving the Fighting Saints the lead.

St. Francis pulled away from there to secure the 9–3 victory.

Although Merda had just one hit in the game, it proved to be the decisive moment that helped secure the win. He was named the WCCN Player of the Game.

St. Francis will return to action March 10 for another doubleheader at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

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