The Basics
Game 1: Evangel 5, Benedictine 2
Game 2: Evangel 0, Benedictine 3
Records: Evangel (16-12, 3-7 Heart); Benedictine (19-12, 8-2 Heart)
Location: Springfield, Mo. – Crusader Field

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel baseball team split a Heart of America double-header against Benedictine winning game one 5-2 before falling 3-0 in game two Friday morning.

The Crusaders jumped out early with a four-run second inning and added another run in the bottom of the fifth. Evangel held off Benedictine as the Ravens scored two runs in the fourth inning and left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

Derek Kennell went the distance for his fifth win of the season, improving to 5-2. He scattered five hits while allowing just two runs and striking out five.

Jose Vargas earned the game's first RBI on a single to center and came around to score on the hit after an error by the Ravens' centerfielder. The inning continued on another Benedictine error, as the Crusaders were able to take advantage of leaving the second inning with a 4-0 lead.

Austin Alfrey led Evangel going 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored. Jordan Kirkpatrick earned the other Evangel RBI after going 1-for-3 with a run scored.

In game two, Benedictine jumped out to an early lead with a lead-off solo home run. The Ravens would score a run in each of the first three innings chasing starter Brad Potts. Potts was charged with all three runs and allowed seven of the Ravens' 10 hits as he earned just his second loss of the season.

Josh Lachnit pitched the final four innings hold the Ravens scoreless and scattering three hits.

Evangel pounded out six hits with the top of the line contributing four hits. The Crusaders also left four on base as Benedictine turned two double plays.

UP NEXT
Evangel and Benedictine will continue their conference double-header Tuesday, March 28 with forecasted rain and thunderstorms in southwest Missouri on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

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