Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - Davenport prepped for their big series with cross-town rival Aquinas this weekend with a split at Spring Arbor University on Wednesday afternoon. The Panthers won 8-1 in the opening game before falling 8-7 in the nightcap. DU is now 18-24 on the year and hosts the Saints on Friday at 1:00 PM.
The Panthers bats came alive early against the Cougars as they scored three runs in each of the first two inning. Bryan Spykerman (Anaheim, Calif.) hit a three run double in the opening frame and Matt Collins (Akron, Ohio) came up with a 2-out triple in the second that scored three runs as well.
Cody VanKoevering was provided a nice cushion as the freshman dominated on the mound going six innings while allowing just one run on five hits. The win was Cody's second of the year as he improved to 2-3.
David Stuppy (Dowagiac, Mich.) and Matt Collins each finished with two hits as six of the nine starters collected at least one hit.
Game two saw the two teams combine for 15 runs on 15 hits with the Cougars posting the slim 8-7 win. Davenport again took control early with a three run top of the 3rd. Derrick Gentile (Sturgis, Mich.) got the inning started with a double to left.
Gentile scored on a ball put in play by David Stuppy who was then brought home by a double off of the bat of Matt Collins. Austin Licon (Rockford, Ill.) then singled home Collins for the final score of the inning.
The host Cougars scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the inning and took their first lead of the day with three runs in the 4th. Davenport however remained solid at the plate as they regained the lead with a four-spot in the top of the 7th.
David Stuppy continued his hot day at the plate as he singled to bring home Jake Loomans (Grandville, Mich.) and after an error by SAU, Jason Pierce (Big Rapids, Mich.) and Joe Hill (Tecumseh, Mich.) also scored. Austin Licon then completed the rally with a two-out double that scored Stuppy to put DU up 7-4.
Unfortunately the bullpen could not close down the second game win as Spring Arbor came right back with four runs of the their own in the bottom of the 7th to win in walk off fashion.
Matt McNeil (St. Clair Shores, Mich.) suffered the loss in relief as five different Panthers' pitchers appeared in the game.
Davenport (18-24) will not rest their WHAC Tourney hopes on a four-game series with rival Aquinas on Friday and Saturday. The Panthers host the Saints beginning at 1:00 on Friday at East Kentwood HS.
