FORT WAYNE, Ind. - On Friday afternoon the University of Saint Francis Cougars (6-2) traveled to Pikeville, Kentucky to begin a four-game series against the University of Pikeville Bears (5-9) with a doubleheader, and swept both games winning by scores of 10-8 and 4-2.

As the Cougars began the opener, they picked up right where they left off last weekend against the No. 11 Cumberlands Patriots. Designated hitter David Miller smacked a two-run home run in the first inning to put Saint Francis up 2-0, but the Bears got those right back in their half of the frame with an RBI-double and hit batsman.

Come the top of the second, the Cougars answered the Bears capitalizing on a fielding error as left fielder Collin Landrum drove home two with a double to regain the lead for Saint Francis.

The Cougars offense went back to work in the top of the fourth. 

Saint Francis loaded the bases to open the inning, and made it a three-run game on another fielding error by the Bears. Still with nobody out, first baseman Tyler Prince singled home David Miller and Collin Landrum to plate four runs in the inning for the Cougars and extend their lead to 8-2.

Entering the seventh, the Cougars had a 9-4 lead and added an insurance run to go ahead by six. But down to their last three outs, the Bears threatened. 

They put their first two on to open the inning, and plated four runs before sending the tying run to the plate. In came Kevin Brown to relieve Brenden Lytle, who induced a fielder's choice and strike out to close the door and earn the Cougars their first win of the weekend. 

During the game, three Cougars collected three hits, David Miller (3-for-5 with three RBI's), Kaden Sullivan (3-for-5), and Collin Landrum (3-for-5 with two RBI's & runs scored). 

In the top of the first inning of the second game, David Miller hit a sacrifice fly to score the game's first run and give the Cougars another early lead.

This time it was freshman Deron Swanson on the mound making the start for Saint Francis, and he shut the bears down through five innings. Then in the top of the third, Miller and third baseman Kaden Sullivan singled for right fielder Sam Pesa, who smacked a three-run home run to left field for his second of the season, giving the Cougars a 4-0 lead.

Pikeville would get a run back in the bottom of the third, but not much else as Swanson worked five innings allowing just one run on five hits while striking out eight to earn the win. 

During the second game, Sam Pesa went 2-for-3 with the three-run home run, and catcher Xavier Nolan would also collect two hits. 

The Cougars will wrap up their series Saturday afternoon with another doubleheader against the Bears beginning at 12:00 pm.