HATTIESBURG, Miss.— The 2020 season got off to a rocky start on Saturday afternoon for MBU Baseball as the Spartans dropped both legs of a doubleheader to William Carey. After a day off on Sunday, the four-game series will conclude with another doubleheader on Monday.
 
GAME ONE
In the seven-inning game, the Spartans couldn't solve William Carey starter Sloan Dieter. The senior from Lake Charles, La. retired the first 14 MBU hitters he faced. Sage Voda finally broke up the no-hitter with one out in the sixth inning.
 
Despite the lack of offense, the Spartans still had a chance thanks to ace starting pitcher Josh Sieglitz. The senior conceded a run in the first but then settled in to hold the Crusader offense in check until the sixth inning. Sieglitz's day was complete after 5 and 1/3. He walked one and struck out four while allowing five hits and two earned runs.
 
Defense let the Spartans down in a six-run fifth inning for William Carey. The Crusaders scored five runs to put the game out of reach. Missouri Baptist managed just two hits and dropped the opener by a score of 6-0.
 
GAME TWO
The second game of the day was more competitive, at least initially. The offense got off the ground with two runs in the first inning. A single from Hunter Hill scored Ashanti Ross II and a sacrifice fly from Sage Voda brought in Trey Steffler.
 
The Crusaders would respond quickly. One run in the first, three more in the second, and four in the fourth had the Spartans squarely behind the eight ball. Eventually, a two-run single with the bases loaded in the seventh inning ended the game on the 10-run after seven rule (12-2). MBU managed only four more hits after the first inning.
 
Steffler and Ross were responsible for four of the Spartans' six hits. Junior reliever Jarrett Quinn provided a bright spot with four solid innings out of the bullpen. Quinn allowed just one run on three hits while striking out six.
 
The series will resume on Monday at 1 pm. The Spartans will spend the majority of the first month on the road as the anticipated home opener is scheduled for February 28 vs. William Woods.