(ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 19)—The McKendree University took one of two games Saturday in an American Midwest Conference doubleheader at Missouri Baptist University. The Bearcats rolled to an 8-3 victory in the opener before dropping a 5-3 decision in game two.

The splits leaves the Bearcats with a 9-17 overall record and a 1-3 mark in AMC play. McKendree steps out of conference on Sunday to host Lindenwood University in a nine-inning contest. First pitch at Hypes Field is slated for 2 p.m.

Senior outfielder Tyler Muren (Belleville, IL/Belleville West) (Belleville, Ill./Belleville West) had a big day with four hits, while junior infielder Ronnie Calvird (Farmington, MO/Park Hills Central) (Farmington, Mo./Park Hills Central) blasted a three-run home run to highlight the game one victory.

In the second inning of game one, the Bearcats scored three times in the top of the frame. Junior outfielder Brandyn Snider (Fielden, IL/Jersey Community) (Fieldon, Ill./Jersey Community) and senior infielder Andy Kuehn (Mascoutah, IL/Mascoutah) (Mascoutah, Ill./Mascoutah) drew consecutive walks to lead off the inning. Two batters later, Calvird belted his three-run homer to stake McKendree to a three-run advantage.

Missouri Baptist answered with three runs in the bottom of the second to knot the contest at 3-3. McKendree took the lead for good in the third inning when junior infielder Brandon Gargus (Manchester, MO/Parkway South) (Manchester, Mo./Parkway South) was hit by a pitch and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch.

McKendree scored another run in the fourth inning thanks to an RBI single by senior catcher Kyle Moll (Mascoutah, IL/Mascoutah) (Mascoutah, Ill./Mascoutah). The Bearcats put the game out of reach with three runs in the seventh inning. Snider had the key hit in the frame with a run-scoring double.

Freshman right-hander Cole Wille (Maryville, IL/Collinsville) (Maryville, Ill./Collinsville) collected his second straight win by scattering four hits and three earned runs over five innings. Wille walked three and fanned two batters.

The Spartans scored single runs in the second and third innings to take a 2-0 lead in game two before McKendree got on the scoreboard. Snider reached on a fielder's choice and came around to score on a wild pitch to bring the Bearcats within 2-1. Missouri Baptist answered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth to extend its lead to 4-1.

McKendree rallied within 4-3 thanks to a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. Freshman outfielder Tony Kossina (Millstadt, IL/Belleville West) (Millstadt, Ill./Belleville West) lifted a sacrifice fly to score Snider, who led off the frame with a walk. Muren followed with an RBI single to cut the Bearcats' deficit to 4-3.

Missouri Baptist then scored an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory. Junior right-hander Josh Rathmann (Germantown, IL/Breese Central) (Germantown, Ill./Breese Central) allowed two earned runs and six hits over 2 2/3 innings in being charged with the loss on the mound for McKendree.