ASHLAND, Mo. - The No. 20-ranked Central Methodist University baseball team fell to Olivet Nazarene in a neutral territory battle on Tuesday afternoon.

The Eagles struck first after a shot to left-center by Mason Schwellenbach (SR/Saginaw, Mich.) plated one, but Olivet responded with a four-run inning in the third frame. Central cut the deficit in half after a single to deep left from Z Westley (SR/Midland, Mich.) sent one runner home, but the Tigers were able to extend the lead by tacking on another run in the top of the fifth. Both teams were scoreless through the final four frames.

Westley, Schwellenbach, and Adrian Martinez (JR/Toa Alta, Puerto Rico) each posted multi-hit performances while Julio Canales (SR/Canovanas, Puerto Rico) connected for one shot.

Manny Martinez (SR/Toa Alta, Puerto Rico) earned the start and suffered the loss after three innings on the rubber. He struck out three batters and surrendered four earned runs on five hits. Isaiah Davis (JR/Indianapolis, Ind.) and Felix Pena (JR/Bronx, N.Y.) each made appearances on the bump but did not factor into the final decision.

The Eagles are set to open division play at home with a two-day showing against Evangel University later this week. The games, which have been rescheduled due to weather, are now set for Thursday and Friday with times to be determined.