AVE MARIA, Fla. – A four-run second inning propelled the Spring Arbor University baseball team to a 4-3 opening day win over Ave Maria University on Friday.

The Cougars collected five hits in the top of the second, including three consecutive RBI singles to grab an early 4-0 lead. With one run already in, Adam Rojas singled to right field to plate Tyler Reed, and Jack Driscoll followed with a base hit through the left side to bring around Nick Harris. Mitchel Patterson capped the scoring with a rip to right to drive in Chris Triplett.

That would prove to be all the run support Spencer Goebel would need as he mowed through the Ave Maria (7-13) lineup. Goebel allowed just one hit in five innings of work while striking out three batters.

The Gyrenes were finally able to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning, capitalizing on a pair of SAU errors for three runs.

Ave Maria threatened again in the eighth, putting two runners aboard with two outs, but freshman Duncan Patterson came out of the bullpen and fanned the next batter to end the inning. Patterson would go on to retire the side in order in the ninth to secure the first save of his collegiate career.

Jeremiah Johnson, Patterson and Reed all picked up two hits apiece, including a triple for Reed.

Goebel earned his first win of the season. Andrew Wright and Patterson combined for 4.0 innings of scoreless relief allowing just two hits while striking out five.

Spring Arbor (1-0) will be right back in action tomorrow against Ave Maria with a doubleheader slated to start at noon.

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