ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist Baseball had its opportunities. The Spartans entered into a heavyweight clash with William Carey (Miss.) on Friday in the opener of a three-game set, but things didn't go as planned. The Spartans left a total of 10 runners on base and allowed nine runs (seven of which were earned) in a 9-8 loss in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Missouri Baptist (5-4, 0-0 AMC) played catch-up nearly all night, but had a late lead in the eighth. The advantage, however, floated away as quickly as it came in the fourth loss of the season.

William Carey jumped-out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. After two quick outs by Spartan starter Jared Crescentini, Larson Barkurn doubled to put the lead run in scoring position. Adrian Brown followed with an RBI single and gave the Crusaders their first lead of the game.

Missouri Baptist responded in the top of the third, and took full advantage of an early error. Tim Hergert reached on a dropped fly ball and later came around to score, along with Culver Plant, on a two RBI single from Brian Poupore.

The Crusaders regained the lead on a Tyler Richardson two-run home run in the bottom of the third, however, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.

Down by a run, things were about to get worse for the Spartans as the bottom of the sixth reared its head. Two errors and a passed ball, along with three William Carey hits, combined to equal four Crusader runs to give the home team a commanding 7-2 lead.

The big offensive inning seemed to have an effect on the Spartans, and may have spurred the impressive comeback that was about to occur.

With one out and on a 1-1 count, Culver Plant swatted his first home run of the year and started a big rally for the Spartans. Missouri Baptist took advantage of two walks and two errors to put four runs of its own on the board to make it a 7-6 deficit.

Jake Triulzi, perhaps the most effective pitcher of the day for Missouri Baptist, held the lead in the bottom of the seventh and gave his squad the chance to take a lead in the eighth. The senior from Ballwin, Mo., tossed one and a third innings and allowed no runs on just two hits.

Missouri Baptist remained patient at the plate and walked twice in the top of the eighth. Hergert and Plant both were recipients of unintentional free passes and later scored, thanks to a big hit from Austin Rieman. The junior roped a two RBI single to shallow right and gave the Spartans the lead once again.

The Crusaders, however, had the final say on Friday. William Carey plated two runs in the bottom of the eighth and held the Spartans scoreless in the ninth to pick-up the victory.

Culver Plant led the Spartan offense once again. The junior went 2-4 with a home run, while Rieman and Poupore both posted two RBI. Catcher Hector Candeleria recorded three RBI as well.

Jared Crescentini got the start and lasted into the sixth for the Spartans. The junior allowed five earned runs, seven overall, and recorded five strikeouts on the day.

Nick Hynes was tagged with the loss after allowing three walks and two earned runs in his outing.

The Spartans will play in games two and three of the series on Saturday. First pitch in game one is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.