Towson, M.D.- The Elon Phoenix (19-9, 10-2 CAA) closed out their series with the Towson Tigers (8-22, 2-10 CAA) by earning a rubber match victory on Sunday afternoon. Justin Mitrovich earned his fourth win of the season while Ben Simon earned his fifth save out of the bullpen.  
 
Cole Reynolds completed his series with another multi-hit day at the plate, his second against the Tigers. The Delaware native finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate and extended his on-base streak to 21 consecutive games.
 
Charlie Granatell and Tanner Holliman also finished with multi-hit days against Towson. Both would finish the game with two hits, with each scoring a run.
 
Elon remains first in the CAA standings at 10-2, one game ahead of UNCW and three games ahead of the College of Charleston.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elon got off to a fast start against the Tigers in game three of the series. Following a leadoff walk from Granatell and a base hit from Ryan Sprock, Luke Stephenson singled through the left side scoring both Granatell and Sprock to give the Phoenix a 2-0 lead.
• Justin Mitrovich was handed the ball for the Sunday start and Mitrovich got off to a great start. The freshman struck out one batter in the bottom of the first and retired the Tigers three up-three down in the frame.
• Mitrovich would continue his strong performance the first time through the lineup against Towson. In the first three innings, Towson would manage one baserunner then being retired in order in both the second and third inning.
• The Phoenix would increase their lead in the fourth thanks to timely hitting and patience at the plate. Tanner Holliman led off the inning with a single then swiped second. Kenny Mallory Jr. would capitalize with Holliman in scoring position, singling to right field which would score Holliman.
• Elon would show plenty of plate discipline following three consecutive two out walks with Cole Reynolds being the walk that would score Kenny Mallory Jr.
• With a four-run cushion the Phoenix pitching staff continued to work. Following a leadoff double for the Tigers to lead off the fourth, Mitrovich sat the Tigers down 1-2-3.
• Towson would cut into Elon's lead in the fifth by scoring on a hit-by-pitch with Reyce Curnane securing the RBi.
• Following a single in the sixth inning, Liam Dabagian would relieve Mitrovich and settle the inning. A heads up play by Dabagian would secure the second out of the inning by throwing in front of the runner on second, causing a pickle and eventually getting the lead runner.
• Towson would go hitless in the seventh and knock two hits in the eighth but not be able to score a run in either frame, setting up the ninth inning for Phoenix closer Ben Simon.
• Ben Simon would strikeout the final batter on a high fastball giving the Phoenix their fourth CAA series win of the season and sixth consecutive series finale win.

NOTES AND STATS

• With the win on Sunday, Elon claimed their 10^th win of the season in conference play, besting their tally from a season ago and tying the most wins in a conference season in this decade.
• The 10-2 clip ties the best start to a conference season since Elon joined the CAA in the 2015 season. The Phoenix also began the 2019 conference season 10-2 before winding up with a 19-5 conference record.
• Following Sunday's victory, the Phoenix now hold a record of 21-6 over Towson. Elon has not lost a series with Tigers since joining the CAA.
• This season, Elon is 3-1 in rubber matches and the Phoenix are 2-0 in CAA series rubber matches. Elon has won six consecutive series finales and has not lost on a Sunday since Feb. 19 against Kentucky.
• Cole Reynolds had his second multi-hit game in a row and extended his on base streak to 21 consecutive games. Following his weekend, Reynolds is now batting .323 and has driven in 25 runs on the season.
• Connor Coolahan walked twice in Sunday's game and continues to get on base at an unbelievable clip during conference play. Coolahan's on base percentage during conference play is at a .605 clip which leads the CAA.
• Justin Mitrovich earned his fourth win in his last five starts against the Tigers on Sunday. Mitrovich walked a season low zero batters in the winning effort while striking out five.
• Tanner Holliman had a bounce back game against Towson, finishing 2-for-4 with a stolen base. Holliman has eight stolen bases on the season in eight attempts which places him at eighth in conference in stolen bases.
• Charlie Granatell finished the series with hits out of the leadoff spot in all three games including two in the Sunday finale. Granatell now has a hitting streak of six games.
• Both Ryan Sprock and Justin Cassella picked up hits in every game they played in this weekend. Both players share the team high with an active seven game hitting streak.
• Elon continues to pitch extremely well in conference play. The team ERA is a conference best 2.50 with the Phoenix surrendering only 30 earned runs in 12 games. The Phoenix pitching staff also leads the conference in strikeouts during conference play with 109.
• The Elon bats have come alive during CAA play. Phoenix hitters have combined to hit 18 home runs, which puts Elon at tops in the conference. Elon has also collected 76 walks during conference play which also leads the conference.

UP NEXT

• The Phoenix will return to Latham Park on Tuesday to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at 6 p.m. Elon will continue CAA play with UNCW visiting Latham Park for a weekend series. First pitch on Friday will be at 6 p.m. followed by games on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 4 p.m. and 1 p.m.