CLINTON, Iowa - Twenty-nine year old pitcher Matt Klaus fanned 12 hitters in the conclusion and Waldorf College rallied back from a three-run deficit in the opener to sink the Ashford University baseball team at Alliant Energy Field on Senior Day by scores of 7-3 and 9-0.

The Saints (12-26 overall) lost a little ground in the Midwest Collegiate Conference standings, falling to 2-12 in league play with 10 MCC games remaining in the regular season. The Warriors (15-22, 5-12 MCC) moved into the coveted seventh spot in the MCC standings, at the moment qualifying for postseason play.

Seniors Matt Richard of Chicago, Hunter Allspaugh of Chadwick, Ill., Demetric Turner of Eufaula, Ala., J.D. Fabian of Highland, Ind., Nick Davis of Walnut, Ill., and Freeport natives Jordan Wakeley and Nick St. Ores were each recognized in between games.

"Ideally, we would have loved to send the seniors out on a winning note on their day," AU Head Coach John Govek said. "It's been an honor and privilege to coach these young men for their careers and watch them progress through the years."

Davis shined on his commemorative day as a senior, giving a valiant effort on the mound with five innings of one-hit shutout ball in his fifth start of the season. Relying heavily on a changeup with sinking movement that induced eight groundballs, AU pitching coach Josh Brandt referenced just four fastballs thrown all afternoon by Davis.

Derailed with bicep tightness and a sore elbow after his last start against Viterbo University in mid-March, Davis underwent a cortisone shot a week ago but was still in pain. He was in clear pain in the fifth frame with the coaching staff coming out to attend, but promptly struck out his final batter following a mound visit to end the side.

Davis missed all of the 2009 season with an undisclosed arm injury after transferring from Sauk Valley Community College. He had not even thrown a bullpen session since his last start.

"It was one of the best performances ever that we saw today from Nick Davis," Govek said. "Nick was a warrior on the mound. He pitched with composure, fought through pain and kept the opposition off balance."

Unfortunately, Fabian did not fare as well in relief as the Warriors charged back with seven runs in the sixth inning, ultimately suffering the loss. He walked in the go-ahead run with the bases loaded and a series of bunts prolonged a painful inning.

Klaus recorded nine punchouts by the middle of the fourth inning and had the Saints guessing at the plate in his complete-game effort, limiting Ashford to just five hits.

Waldorf ripped off nine runs on 11 hits, led by Jeremy Trach's 4-for 4 effort at the dish. A tight game was blown open in the fifth inning as the Warriors finally tagged AU starter Lucas Beese of Middleton, Wis., for a few runs.

Ashford and Waldorf will meet again for Youth Baseball Day tomorrow at Alliant Energy Field for a single, nine-inning contest. The youths will be able to sign during an autograph session following the game. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown out at noon.