ST. LOUIS—MBU Baseball improved to 5-3 with a 5-1 win over Peru State (Neb.) on Friday afternoon. The Spartans continue play in the Clay Pfeiffer Memorial Tournament at the Spartan Baseball Field on Saturday at 12:30.
 
The Spartans did actually fall behind 1-0, albeit briefly, in the fourth inning. The response though was immediate in the bottom of the frame. With runners at second and third, Tommy Patrick Jr. took a pitch the other way into right center and drove in Adrian Gutierrez and Carter Mize. Patrick's first career RBIs gave the Spartans a 2-1 lead. After stealing second, Patrick would come around to score on a single by fellow sophomore Noah Hemphill.
 
Mo. Bap added insurance in the eighth inning and again it was Patrick who was the catalyst. He doubled to lead off the inning and then stole third with Hemphill at the plate. After Hemphill drew a walk, a ground ball by Treyton Steffler caused issues for PSC with the speedy Patrick at third. A throwing error allowed Patrick and Hemphill to score for a 5-1 MBU lead.
 
Senior Matthew Hess was in control all day on the mound. He allowed just four hits and one run in seven innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Matt Huss and Jackson Keller finished off the eighth and ninth to close out the win.
 
The Spartans now turn their attention to ranked opponents on Saturday afternoon. Billy Heil will get the start against No. 12 Indiana Tech at 12:30. In the second game of the day, Masen Palmier will be called upon against No. 10 Central Methodist. Both games will be broadcast live on SpartanDigitalNetwork.com.