Kokomo, Ind. -- The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars headed to Kokomo Municipal Stadium to take on the Cougars of Indiana University Kokomo. Despite two tight games USF dropped both 4-2 and 4-3. 

Game 1 of this series was neck and neck throughout all 9 innings. IUK scratched one run in the second inning and the score remained this way until the fifth. A bases loaded walk by Jayden Lepper tied the game, but not for long. IUK responded with 2 big hits to put them up 4-1 heading into the sixth. Blaine McRae came out of the bullpen for USF and kept the game close and gave his offense a chance. Brenden Lytle singled in the seventh to score a run and make the lead 4-2, but that is where this one would end. 

Game 2 was a 7 inning game that was close till the end. IUK put up a run in the bottom of the second, but Jayden Lepper responded in the top of the third with an RBI single. Later IUK scored again in the bottom of the fifth, but USF responded again with an RBI hit by Nick Parsons and another clutch RBI hit on the day from Brenden Lytle in the top of the sixth. With an inning and a half to play USF was up 3-2. IUK responded with a solo homerun and an RBI single to reclaim the lead 4-3. USF couldn't come up clutch again and fell in this one.

One of the key contributors for USF was Brenden Lytle who went 4-6 with 2 RBIs when the Cougs really needed them. Blaine McRae was another with 4 IP, only giving up 2 hits, and not allowing a single run to score. Eli Riley was great behind the plate and also went 3-6 with a triple as well. 

The University of Saint Francis Cougars are now 7-3 and will play again Sunday at 12:00 PM EST. They hope to avenge their loses and split the series with Indiana University Kokomo.

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

- Sam Pesa -