FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University baseball team split a Crossroads League doubleheader on the road Thursday against the University of Saint Francis, winning game one 17-3 before falling 5-4 in game two.
 
The Cougars move to 21-15 overall and 15-11 in conference play.
 
In game one, Spring Arbor's offense came alive early, scoring in five of the first six innings. The Cougars pushed their lead to 8-1 with a four-run sixth inning before erupting for eight runs in the ninth to cap off the 17-3 win – their highest scoring output of the season.
 
Joey Tessmer led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, four RBIs and a run scored. Aiden Brunin also recorded three hits and crossed the plate five times, while Brenden Phillips and Evan Miller each added two hits.
 
On the mound, Josh Murphy delivered a strong outing, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings while striking out nine to earn the win.
 
In game two, Saint Francis jumped out to a 3-0 lead through three innings while holding SAU scoreless.
 
The Cougars got on the board in the fourth when Brunin launched a two-run home run to cut the deficit to one. However, Saint Francis answered with two runs in the fifth to extend its lead to 5-2.
 
Spring Arbor mounted a late push in the seventh, scoring twice, including a solo home run by Miller, but was unable to complete the comeback.
 
Connor Reed went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored, while Phillips added a triple and also scored.
 
Spring Arbor will return to Fort Wayne on Saturday, April 11 to conclude the series with another doubleheader against Saint Francis.