Spring Arbor, Mich. --The University of Saint Francis (Ind). Cougars baseball team took on the Spring Arbor University Cougars to kick off this crossroads league matchup on Thursday. 

In the first game the Cougar offense struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Spring Arbor jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after the first two innings. Despite getting runners in scoring position, USF wasn't able to bring them across as this stayed a 4-0 ball game until the seventh when SAU brought in another and two more in the eight. Down 7-0, the Cougsrs started to rally and made it a 7-4 ball game, but that's where this one would finish.

Game 2 was all Luke Siren as he dominated his start. He threw all 7 innings only giving up 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and not allowing a run to score. USF jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning after back to back hits from Jayden Lepper and Xavier Croxton followed by an RBI groundout from Sam Pesa. Both teams had opportunities to plate more runs, but that's where this one would end with USF on top 1-0. 

Saint Francis had some key contributors on the day. Luke Siren with his dominant performance on the mound helped propel the Cougars to a win in game 2. Brenden Lytle was 3-6 on the day and had a couple of stolen bases as well. Jayden Lepper had a lot of hard hit balls getting 3 hits on the day to go along with some great plays in the field. 

The Cougars are now 18-13 and 8-10 in conference play. They will finish up their series with the Cougars of Spring Arbor University on Saturday. The first pitch will be at 1:00 PM est at Hank Burbridge Field in Spring Arbor, Michigan. 

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

- Sam Pesa -