Utica, MI – The grind of a college baseball season is a test of endurance. Between battling conference opponents, unpredictable weather, and the demands of academics, every road trip presents a challenge to a team's depth, focus, and postseason aspirations. The Saints took that challenge head-on at Lawrence Tech, earning a respectable split in their WHAC doubleheader—especially after struggling offensively in the opener.

Game 1: Lawrence Tech 6, Aquinas 1

Aquinas struggled to generate offense in the series opener, managing just three hits as Lawrence Tech controlled the game from the start. The Blue Devils struck first with two runs in the second inning and never looked back. AQ's lone run came in the fourth when Dylan Nguyen drove in Ramsey Bousseau with an RBI groundout, but Lawrence Tech quickly countered with three runs in the bottom of the frame, extending their lead to 5-1.

Saints starter Hudson Lubbers worked four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out three. The bullpen provided some stability, with Travis Weide tossing two scoreless innings to keep AQ within reach. However, the Saints couldn't solve Lawrence Tech's dominant starter, who threw a complete game with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Despite some late baserunners, AQ couldn't mount a rally, and the loss snapped their brief two-game winning streak.

Inside the Numbers (Game 1):

• Hudson Lubbers recorded three strikeouts across four innings.
• The Saints were limited to just three hits, their lowest total in conference play this season.
• Dylan Nguyen provided AQ's only RBI with a fourth-inning groundout.
• Lawrence Tech's starter went the distance, striking out eight without issuing a walk.

Game 2: Aquinas 12, Lawrence Tech 7

The Saints rebounded in game two with an offensive explosion, using a nine-run fourth inning to seize control. After falling behind 2-1 early, AQ's bats erupted, sending 13 batters to the plate in the inning. Luke LaCross delivered the biggest blow, ripping a bases-clearing double that opened the floodgates and turned the game in AQ's favor.

Ethan Bowen got the start and provided a steady outing, working five innings while allowing four runs. With plenty of run support behind him, Bowen kept the Blue Devils from mounting a serious threat. Chase Robinson and Dawson Shearer both recorded multi-hit performances, helping the Saints pile on runs.

Lawrence Tech attempted to chip away at the deficit, scoring three times in the sixth, but AQ tacked on insurance runs in the seventh and eighth to keep the game out of reach. Cameron Gross shut the door with a scoreless ninth, securing the Saints' bounce-back win and pushing them back above .500 in WHAC play.

Inside the Numbers (Game 2):

• The Saints exploded for a season-high nine runs in the fourth inning.
• Luke LaCross led the way with three hits, including a bases-clearing double.
• Ethan Bowen pitched five strong innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.
• AQ racked up four extra-base hits, their most in a conference game this season.

Coach's Comments:

Head Coach Chris LaMange on the doubleheader split:
"Big win in Game 2 for the Saints—our offense finally broke through with that nine-run inning to take control. We're very happy with how we bounced back, and this keeps us above .500 in conference play."

Up Next:

The Saints continue their road trip with back-to-back WHAC doubleheaders this weekend. On Friday, they face Cornerstone in a crosstown showdown, with first pitch for Game 1 set for 2:00 PM. On Saturday, AQ heads to Ohio to take on Lourdes, with Game 1 beginning at 1:00 PM. Full recaps and updates will be available at AQSaints.com.