In the first game, MVNU (14-6), which received votes in the latest NAIA poll, had a chance to get on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning when sophomore infielder Michael Hendren singled to lead off the game, junior outfielder Kodi Veale was hit by a pitch, and both runners were moved up on a sacrifice by senior second baseman Josh Estep. However, Hendren was tagged out at home on a missed squeeze attempt and sophomore outfielder Steve Williams struck out to end the inning.

The Cougars got a runner to third base with just one out in the top of the second inning as well, but MVNU was unable to push a run across once again as the game remained scoreless.

Finally, in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Crusaders (12-14) broke the scoreless tie as they registered three hits and took advantage of two errors and a walk to take a 3-0 lead. Jeremy McKay plated the first run with an RBI-double to right field, while Christian Salgado drove in the final two runs with a two-out, two-run single to center.

The Cougars threatened in the top of the sixth inning as Williams walked and Parks and freshman first baseman Josh Roberts each singled to load the bases with no outs. However, a double play and a strike out ended what looked to be a promising inning with only one run crossing the plate as MVNU still trailed 3-1. That would prove to be the final score as the Cougars were unable to push across any more runs in their final at bat in the top of the seventh inning.

Freshman right-hander Jerrob Decker (1-1) suffered the loss for MVNU as he started and allowed six hits, two walks, and three runs (two earned) over five innings with seven strikeouts. Sophomore lefty Andy Podolak worked one scoreless inning and registered a strikeout.

Taylor Vaughn picked up the win for Tennessee Temple by tossing five innings and allowing just six hits, one walk, and one run with two strikeouts. Kyle Fugitt notched a save by working two scoreless innings to close out the game as he walked one and struck out one.

Offensively, Parks collected two of the Cougars’ six hits, while Salgado and McKay had two hits apiece to lead the Crusaders.

The second game of the day pitted MVNU against Warner, who entered the game ranked No. 17 in the latest NAIA poll and in the midst of a five-game winning streak. The host Royals (23-10) would proceed to score at least one run in every inning except the fourth inning as Warner prevailed 7-5.

The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI-single by Ryan Carnley. The lead grew to 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning on an RBI-ground out by Tyler Richardson and a delayed steal of home by Case Webb.

After Warner pushed across another run in the bottom of the third inning to go up 4-0 on a double play, the Cougars finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning when Parks lined a single into right field to break up the shutout bid and close the gap to 4-1.

Nick Polston doubled in a run in the bottom of the fifth inning and later came around to score on a balk to push the lead to 6-1. Then, Dan Smith doubled in another run in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 7-1.

With its back against the wall, MVNU mounted one last threat in the top of the seventh inning. Sophomore catcher Ricardo Rodriguez singled to lead off the inning. One out later, Roberts singled down the leftfield line. Senior designated hitter Brandon Turner reached on an error that allowed the first run of the inning to score. Then, sophomore catcher Ian Durbin followed with a three-run blast to deep leftfield to pull the Cougars within 7-5. However, that would be as close as they would get as the next two batters were retired in order to end the game.

Sophomore right-hander Steve Miller (1-1) suffered the loss as he scattered 10 hits, one walk, and six runs (five earned) over five innings with three strikeouts. Freshman Kyle Barr worked the final inning in relief and gave up one hit, one walk, and one run.

Meanwhile, Blake Lott (2-1) picked up the victory on the mound for the Royals (23-10). He scattered eight hits and five runs (four earned) in tossing the complete game with one strikeout.

Offensively, Rodriguez and Parks both collected two hits each for MVNU. Meanwhile, Smith went 4-for-4 and Shane Ynclan had a 3-for-3 performance to lead Warner.

The Cougars will be off on Thursday before returning to action on Friday with a scrimmage 9-inning game against Prairie State (Ill.) Junior College at 10:15 a.m. Then, MVNU will face Westminster (Mo.) University at 2:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Lake Myrtle Field #3 in Auburndale, Fla.