HENDERSON, Tenn. --- Early scoring by the opposition did the University of St. Francis baseball team in in a split doubleheader with Culver-Stockton College (Mo.) and Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) on Saturday afternoon. The Saints dropped a 7-5 decision to Culver-Stockton after allowing four first-inning runs. In the nightcap, host Freed-Hardeman jumped out to a 7-0 lead after three innings and never looked back.

Noah Kararo led the Saints (1-5) with four hits and two runs scored on the day.

Game 1: Culver-Stockton 7, USF 5
USF had its chances to get back in the game on multiple occasions after falling behind 4-0 initially, but left no less than a pair of runners on base in five of the seven innings and 12 overall for the contest.

Back-to-back RBI doubles by Eric Maffie and Jake LaSoto cut the first inning deficit in half. The Saints also got a pair of runs on John Peterson's two run double in the sixth inning. In between, Scott Tumilty recorded a sacrifice fly.

Kararo opened his day perfect with a 3-for-3, 2-run first game. Peterson also had a multiple hit contest, going 2 for 5.

Dax Flowerree had the big blow for the Wildcats (1-1) with his three run home run in the first inning. Collin Hall drove in another two runs with his three hits.

John McGuire (0-1) suffered his first collegiate loss on the mound.

Game 2: Freed-Hardeman 11, USF 0
The Saints managed just four hits in the nightcap, including two from Josh Kirnbauer. Freed-Hardeman countered with five players recording multiple hits, including Hunter Beecham and Sean Rooney at the top of the order. They both drove in three runs.

USF did not have a runner get past second base in the contest.

Colton Huntt (1-1) went the distance on the mound for the Lions (7-2), striking out seven batters against one walk.

Nick Villasenor (0-1) was tagged with the setback for the guests.

Up Next
The Saints square off against the same two teams on Sunday facing Culver-Stockton at 9:30 am and Freed-Hardeman at 1.

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