SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University baseball team struggled offensively Tuesday as it dropped both games of a doubleheader against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

The Cougars collected three hits in a 4-0 loss in the opener and followed with seven hits in a 5-2 loss in game two that dropped their record to 16-20 overall and 11-9 in the Crossroads League. Mount Vernon Nazarene extended its winning streak to eight to improve to 27-16 with a 9-7 mark in league play.

The lack of offense by SAU wasted great pitching performances by Joe Romence and Spencer Goebel.

Romence, who entered in relief of starter Brody Harris, allowed two runs, but only one earned, on six hits in 5.2 innings of work. Goebel, meanwhile, tossed his third complete game of the season, surrendering two earned runs and scattering 10 hits.

In the first game, Mount Vernon Nazarene plated a run in the first inning and another in the single to grab a 2-0 lead. Romence would come out of the bullpen, though, and blank the visitors over next four frames to keep the Cougars in the game.

However, Spring Arbor was unable to get anything going against MVNU's Lucas Daugherty, who has only allowed nine runs all season – the fewest among qualifying pitchers in the country.

In the nightcap, Mount Vernon Nazarene jumped on top early again with a run in the first inning, but SAU would answer with two in the home half of the frame to take the lead. Jeremiah Johnson ripped a base hit into right field to score Chris Triplett, and Tyler Reed would cross the plate on a bunt single by Jonathan Newman.

The lead would not last long, though, as the visitors manufactured a pair of runs in the second inning. That would be all the support MVNU's Roberto Cediel needed as he held the Cougars scoreless over the final six frames to earn his league-leading eighth win.

Triplett and Newman collected two hits apiece. Reed picked up another hit and has now hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games.

Spring Arbor will host Goshen College (19-30, 11-12 CL) in a key Crossroads League doubleheader on Thursday, Apr. 28 beginning at 2 p.m. before welcoming non-conference foe Rochester College (21-18) to town on Friday, Apr. 29 in a 4 p.m. start time.

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