Springfield, Mo. – Evangel split a conference doubleheader with Missouri Valley on Tuesday losing the first game 8-7 and winning the second game 16-10 in a six inning contest shortened when it was called for darkness. 

The Crusaders lost by a run for the third straight time in game one falling 8-7 after their seventh inning rally fell short. Evangel scored three runs in the seventh to pull within a run of the lead. The frame began with a solo home run by Darin Francis. Pinch hitter Blake McCarty drove in two runs with an RBI single and the Crusaders followed by loading the bases with one out. The Vikings got out of the jam with a pop up and strikeout to end the game. Missouri Valley's Zac Blakemon went 3 for 3 with a home run, a double and five RBIs. 

Evangel snapped an eight-game losing streak winning the second game 16-10. The game was called for darkness in the bottom of the seventh with the Crusaders leading 22-13 but by rule, the game reverts to the last completed full inning. After six, Evangel owned a 16-10 lead and had come back after allowing eight runs by the Vikings in the third inning. Evangel pulled within a run in the fourth, then broke out for an eight-run inning of their own in the fifth. Evangel tied the game on a two-RBI double by Darin Francis, then took the lead on a three-run homer by Kyle Thurman, his seventh home run of the season. Ryan Frye was then hit by a pitch and Tanner Smith sent a ball over the left field fence giving the Crusaders a five run lead after five frames. Evangel added another run the sixth and the two teams combined for nine runs scored in a seventh inning that ended up not counting. The contest was at 3 hours, 22 minutes when play was halted. 

Evangel moved their record to 9-18 and 1-5 in the Heart of America conference. Missouri Valley stayed at .500 going to 12-12 and 3-3 in the league. 

The Crusaders play again Friday at Culver-Stockton a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Canton, Missouri.