HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) held the University of St. Francis baseball team to just two runs on Saturday afternoon as the Lions improved to 9-4 on the season with an 8-2 victory to sweep the three-game series.

Getting nine hits and coaxing four walks, USF did have its offensive chances to plate more runs as six runners were left on base, including at least one in each of the first four innings and two in the sixth.

Nate Maliska and Jake Klepacz were the only Saint players to have multiple hits, each going 2-for-4 with Maliska driving in the team's only RBI of the day.  Mitchell Thomas, Jake Merda, Cliff Vickers and Max Montgomery recorded one hit and one walk apiece.  Brayan Hidalgo provided the remaining hit for St. Francis in the fourth inning.

The two teams were locked in at 2-2 after the top of the third inning before the Lions plated one run in the bottom half of that frame.  One inning later, the hosts put up a big five-spot courtesy of two walks, a balk and a wild pitch to pull away.

Angel Diaz drove in two runs on two hits for the Lions.

The Saints' best opportunities to score came in the first three innings as runners were in scoring position in each frame.  The Lions were able to coax a groundout and two strikeouts, however, to squelch each threat.

Alex Mielcarz had a strong relief showing on the mound for the Saints, not allowing a run, while striking out two in 3 1/3 innings of work.

Up Next
The Saints return home to host Roosevelt University on Wednesday (Feb. 19) weather pending.  First pitch will commence at 3 pm.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.