Auburndale, FL – A trip to Florida for Spring Break might sound like a vacation, but for the Aquinas baseball team, it has been anything but. The Saints have faced tough competition while working to fine-tune their game ahead of WHAC conference play later this week. On Monday, Aquinas couldn't find a way to break through, dropping both games of a doubleheader against Dordt.

Game 1: Dordt 14, Aquinas 1

The Saints struggled to generate offense in the opener as Dordt exploded for eight runs in the third inning, putting the game out of reach early. Aquinas managed just five hits, with Ramsey Bousseau and Grant Martin each recording one. The Saints' lone run came in the sixth when Landon Mueller doubled to drive in Martin. On the mound, starter Blake Waibel took the loss, allowing six runs (three earned) over 2.1 innings. Dordt capitalized on Aquinas' defensive miscues, adding insurance runs in the later innings to cruise to the win.

Game 2: Dordt 8, Aquinas 4

Aquinas put up more of a fight in the second game but couldn't overcome Dordt's early lead. The Saints struck first with a run in the first inning, but Dordt responded with a six-run second to seize control. Aquinas made a late push in the seventh, scoring three runs, highlighted by an RBI single from Dylan Nguyen and a run-scoring double from Luke LaCross. However, the rally fell short as Dordt's bullpen closed the door. Hudson Lubbers took the loss, giving up eight runs over 3.1 innings, while Ethan Bowen and Blake Bennett combined for 3.2 scoreless innings in relief.

Inside the Numbers:

• 7 – Hits collected by Aquinas in Game 2, a step up from Game 1's offensive struggles.
• 6 – Strikeouts recorded by Dordt's Game 1 starter, J. Hughes, in just four innings.
• 3 – Runs scored by Aquinas in the final inning of Game 2, showing late-game fight.
• 8 – The number of runs Dordt put up in the third inning of Game 1, breaking the game open.
• 2.2 – Scoreless relief innings thrown by Ethan Bowen in Game 2, a bright spot for the Saints' pitching staff.

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Chris LaMange spoke of working through a difficult period:
"The Saints will continue to battle as we finish the trip Tuesday playing a doubleheader at IMG Academy. After that, the focus will immediately shift to getting off to a great start in conference play this weekend."

Up Next

The Saints will conclude their Spring Break trip with a pair against New College of Florida at IMG Academy. First pitch is scheduled for noon, with Game 2 following at 2:00 PM. Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for game recaps.