BASEBALL

After splitting with the Cougars on Friday, the HU baseball team swept Spring Arbor on Saturday, 14-0, 4-3, to take the four-game series 3-1. Today’s doubleheader was the first to be played on SAU’s newly renovated Hank Burbridge Field.

Noah Arbuckle was sensational on the bump for the Foresters in the opener. The senior gave up just six hits and two walks while striking out three in eight innings of work for the complete-game shutout.

He got more than enough support from his teammates who erupted for a season-high 14 runs. Seven of HU’s 12 hits were for extra bases. Matt Wolff posted big numbers at the plate. He finished with a single and two doubles with each hit knocking in two runs for a total of six RBI.

Gregory Nolasco Berroa also hammered out a pair of two-baggers with his two hits resulting in three runs scored. Other Foresters to post run-scoring base pokes included Jordan Malott, Owen Imel and Kade Flores.

New this season in CL play is a ten-run rule in the nine-inning games so today’s contest was cut short compliments of HU’s five-run eighth inning that extended their lead from nine to 14.

The nightcap had a much more dramatic finish much to the chagrin of the hosts. Three outs away from the win, Spring Arbor took a 3-2 lead into the seventh only to watch their advantage slip away when Flores scored on a wild pitch after opening up the frame with a triple. It sent the game to extra innings.

It took just one extra frame thanks to Beyonce Paco Paulina’s RBI-single in the eighth that drove in Bryce Deckman who had been hit by a pitch. Grant Simmons picked up the save for his work in the bottom of the frame. The junior hurler struck out the first batter he faced but then an error put the tying run on first. It was a short celebration for the hosts as a double play ended the night.

RJ Anglin picked up the win on the bump. He spent seven innings on the mound, giving up three hits, three runs and three walks while striking out eight.

In addition to Paulina’s game-winner, Dylan Rost also logged an RBI-single while Imel’s sac fly also earned him an RBI.

The Foresters (7-7, 3-1) hit the road next weekend for a four-game series with Saint Francis.