MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University baseball team split a Crossroads League doubleheader with Bethel University on Monday, falling 11-9 in game one before bouncing back with a dominant 14-1 win in game two to secure the four-game series.
 
With the results, the Cougars improve to 19-14 overall and 14-10 in conference play.
 
Spring Arbor jumped out to an early lead in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning behind RBI hits from Connor Dee and Nate Dutkowski. The Cougars extended their lead to 6-1 before Bethel responded with a four-run fourth to pull within one.
 
The Pilots then took control with a six-run fifth inning to go in front 11-6. Spring Arbor continued to battle, plating two runs in the seventh and another in the ninth on an RBI single from Brenden Phillips, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate before Bethel closed out the win.
 
Dee led the offense with a 2-for-4 performance, while Joey Tessmer and Evan Miller each added two hits. Phillips and Connor Reed drove in two runs apiece, while Tessmer and Aiden Brunin each scored twice.
 
In game two, the Cougars once again struck early, as Phillips delivered a two-RBI double in the first inning. Spring Arbor continued to pile on, scoring 12 more runs over the next five innings, including a five-run sixth, to pull away.
 
The Cougars tallied 13 hits in the nightcap, with Phillips leading the way with four hits and three RBIs. Brunin was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and four runs scored.
 
Colin Snyder earned the win on the mound, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out two.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action on Wednesday, April 8, traveling to face Siena Heights University in non-conference play.