Pitchers Dual Forces Split Against Siena Heights

(Adrian, MI)-- The Cleary Cougars baseball team traveled to Adrian, MI today for a WHAC conference matchup with Siena Heights University. 

In Game 1: Ben Cerven would get things going early for the Cougars with a triple in the 1st inning. Sam Browne would then single to score him, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead right out of the gate. Siena Heights would respond right away with 2 runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning, the Cougars now trailing 2-1 after the 1st inning. Both teams would go into a pitching duel before the Cougars would break the game open with a 6-run 4th inning. In the inning, Robert Kortas would start the scoring with a 2 RBI single scoring Albert Gonzalez and Sam Browne. Andrew Piloske would then enter the game as a pinch hitter for Marcel Garcia and come up with a clutch double scoring Robert Kortas and Spencer Jamieson increasing the lead to 5-2. Marcel Garcia would reenter the game and score on an error when Gavin Kempainen stole second base. Ben Cerven would get the final run in on a single, scoring Gavin Kempainen from third base. Siena Heights would attempt to rally back in the 5th inning scoring 2 runs of their own, but the Cougars would hold on to win 7-4. 

Will Roberts would make the start on the mound for the Cougars improving his record to 2-1 on the season. He would go 5.0 innings allowing 4 runs on 8 hits. Ryan Lieng would throw the final 2.0 innings for the Cougars earning his first save of the season. 

In Game 2: This game proved would prove to be a pitching duel. No offense could get things going until the 3rd inning when the Cougars would manage to scratch across a run. Marcel Garcia got things started with a single, and a sacrifice bunt by Gavin Kempainen would move him into scoring position. Ben Cerven would double with two outs in the inning to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Siena Heights would manage to apply their pressure with the bases loaded and two outs. A single and a walk would give Siena Heights the 2-1 advantage which would be all that was needed for them to hang on for the win over the Cougars. 

Haden Fisk (1-1) made the start for the Cougars going 5.0 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. 

The Cougars now sit at 4-12 overall and 3-3 in WHAC conference play this year. They look to take the field this week at Concordia University on Tuesday for a midweek WHAC matchup. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.