UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Davenport baseball (15-18, 7-3 GLIAC) split a doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State (15-12, 6-4 GLIAC) on Friday, securing a 6–5 victory in the first game before falling 10–3 in the second. 

In the first game, Davenport took an early lead with a four-run burst over the first two innings. The Cardinals responded with four runs of their own in the first four innings. However, Davenport's two-run fifth inning proved decisive, holding off the Cardinals' scoring attempts in the latter innings. Sam Clay doubled to right field in the first inning and later scored on a fielder's choice by Dylan Pawenski. SVSU responded with two runs, including an RBI triple by Buck Snabes and a RBI double by Jacob Pitt, giving them a 2–1 lead after the first inning.

Davenport regained control in the second inning. Travis Liford walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Cam Johnson. An error allowed another run to score, and Justin Johnson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing in the third run of the inning. Davenport led 4–2 through two innings. SVSU tied the game in the third, capitalizing on a fielding error that allowed two unearned runs, making it 4–4. In the fourth inning, SVSU took the lead with an RBI groundout by Ryan Jarvis, pushing them ahead 5–4.

Davenport reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning when Justin Johnson was hit by a pitch, and Pawenski hit a two-run homer to left center for his eighth of the season, putting Davenport up 6–5. The rest of the game remained scoreless, with both teams unable to add to their tally. Sean Knorr delivered a strong performance for Davenport, pitching 6 2/3 innings with five strikeouts and allowing four earned runs on 10 hits against the Cardinals. Knorr faced 32 batters, throwing 118 pitches, of which 76 were strikes. Brayden Flanders provided a brief but effective relief effort, retiring the only batter he faced to secure his first save of the season. Pawenski made a significant impact by driving in three runs. Clay contributed with a double, scoring once and drawing a walk.

In the second game, Davenport managed six hits, including two doubles, but struggled to contain Saginaw Valley's offense, which capitalized with 13 hits and a home run. Davenport began with an early run in the first inning when Clay singled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Justin Johnson's single. However, Saginaw Valley quickly responded with Jacob Pitt delivering a two-RBI single to take a 2–1 lead after the first inning. 

In the second inning, the Panthers loaded the bases with one out, but could not capitalize. Saginaw Valley extended its lead with a four-run inning, highlighted by Lucas Mead's RBI single and an additional two-RBI single from Pitt, leaving Davenport trailing 6–1 after two innings. Davenport narrowed the gap in the fifth inning when Johnson doubled and Carson Lindau drove in two runs with a single, aided by a throwing error. Despite these efforts, Saginaw Valley countered with a two-run homer by Lucas Mead, keeping Davenport behind 8–3 through five innings. Saginaw Valley added two more runs in the sixth inning on a two-RBI single by Ethan Scheib, bringing the score to 10–3.

Colton Blankstrom started the second game for Davenport, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits while striking out two batters. Joe Chrapliwy relieved him, delivering a more stable performance over 3 1/3 innings, surrendering just two earned runs and two hits, while striking out two batters.

Lindau drove in two runs and drew two walks in the second game, while Johnson recorded two hits, including a double, and added an RBI. Liford hit a double and scored a run, showcasing his ability to reach base and advance. Julian Contreras excelled defensively, registering four assists. 

Looking ahead, Davenport will travel to face Saginaw Valley State on Monday, April 6 at 1 PM in University Center, Mich. to finish up the series with a doubleheader.