MOUNT VERNON – Behind strong defensive play, the Rams keep their hopes of a conference tournament bid alive with 11-6 win over Monmouth (11-19, 7-8 MWC) in the rubber game of the weekend series at Ash Park Field on Sunday.
 
After taking a 6-5 lead through three innings, Cornell (14-16, 6-8 MWC) defense held the Fighting Scots to one run over the last six innings.
 
The Rams turned three double plays during the six-inning stretch, ending both the fourth and fifth innings with double plays and turning the other in the seventh.  Catcher Seth Lopez also threw out two Monmouth runners attempting to steal second during the run.
 
Cornell out hit the Fighting Scots 15-12, with Luke Hull and Landon Moore leading the way with three hits apiece. Thomas Hunt, Caleb Smith and Garrett Roehl each had two hits.
 
Senior Jackson Hill started the fireworks for the Rams with a lead off homer over the right field fence. Elias Diaz, Hull and Roehl each doubled for Cornell. Hull drove in three runs.
 
Hunt scored three times to help his cause, as he pitched seven and two-third strong innings in picking up the win.  Brady Newtson came on in relief, shutting done Monmouth to close out the win.
 
Coming up – Rams face Coe in a Bremner Cup match up on Wednesday at Daniels Park-Bill Quinby Field in Cedar Rapids. Game time is 3:45 pm.