ST. LOUIS – [GAME ONE] [GAME TWO] The Spartans took a pair of close games against the Cougars on Thursday to extend their winning streak. Game one was a thriller that ended 7-6 and game two ended 4-1.
 
Columbia struck fast in the first inning off MBU starter Miguel Ruiz. Justin Randle and Ethan Howser plated the opening runs putting Missouri Baptist in an early 2-0 hole
 
Wayne Roberts got one back for the Spartans in the bottom of the second inning plating Mason Washington with an RBI single down the left field line.
 
The bottom of the fourth brought more trouble for the Cougars. Sloppy defense and walks cost them two more runs. The Spartans led 3-2 after four innings.
 
After MBU put up another run in the fifth, Columbia tied it in the top of the sixth at four runs each.
 
Ruiz settled down after a rough first inning to throw five innings and only giving up four runs before handing it over to Gary Watkins.
 
It did not stay tied long. Tyler Schmidt and Miles Fore got on to begin the bottom of the sixth setting up Roberts for an RBI single. Later in the inning, General McArthur doubled to right center to bring home two more runners. The Spartans carried a 7-4 lead into the final frame.
 
The Cougars made it interesting in the seventh by plating two runs. Caleb Dean sniffed out the comeback bid and slammed the door shut, earning his first save of the season.  
 
Wayne Roberts sparked the offense in game one with two hits and three RBIs. Gary Watkins picked up the win out of the bullpen for his second of the year.
 
Austin Schiber was trusted in the second game to extend the winning streak to eleven games. He got off to a good start keeping Columbia scoreless in the first two innings.
 
MBU started the scoring in the second on a double play that brought home Washington. The Cougars tied it in the next half inning on a sacrifice fly from Jordan Wright.
 
The game remained tied until the bottom of the fourth. Domonique Hernandez doubled with one out bringing up Jonathon Pasillas. Pasillas plated Hernandez with a single, his second RBI of the game.
 
Columbia bats were held relatively quiet by a cruising Schiber on the mound.
 
The bottom of the seventh saw the Spartans plate two more runs. McArthur singled through the left side to drive in John Hagan. Drew Brooks also had an RBI single in the frame.
 
MBU went on to win the game by a 4-1 final behind Austin Schiber's complete game. Schiber allowed one run on six hits over nine innings pitched. He improved his record to 5-1 on the campaign.
 
With the wins Missouri Baptist baseball extends their winning streak to eleven games. They now find themselves in second place in the AMC with an 8-2 record (16-10 overall).
 
The Spartans wrap up the series with the Cougars on Friday at Spartan Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.