JACKSON – The Belhaven baseball team finished off their season-opening sweep of the University of St. Francis on Saturday, claiming 9-6 and 11-4 victories at Smith-Wills Stadium. The Blazers outscored their guests 27-13 over the course of the three game series, sending the Cougars back to Indiana still in search of their first win of the season.

Catcher Hunter Sutton paced the Belhaven offense in the seven-inning game, sparking three base hits and driving in two runs. Paul Pickerrell each contributed a hits, a run, and two RBI, as the Blazers picked up nine hits to back starter Chris Good

Belhaven’s senior southpaw scattered 11 hits over 5.1 innings, though each of the last five were softly hit. Good surrendered six runs and struck out four without issuing a walk en route to his first victory on the mound this spring.

Tanner Moulder allowed a hit but was able to finish the sixth inning unharmed before giving way to closer Chase Davidson  in the seventh. The Carrolton, Alabama native recorded a strikeout in a flawless inning to pick up the save in his Belhaven debut.

Freshman McLean Trieglaff was hit with the loss for the Cougars in his first collegiate outing, allowing six runs over four innings. First baseman Chase Kahlenbeck highlighted the St. Francis lineup, collecting three base hits, including the team’s only one for extra bases.

Will Cockrell received the starting nod for the Blazers in the nightcap, lasting four innings before a high pitch count forced the bullpen to take over. The right hander surrendered just two hits and one unearned run to go with eight strikeouts but was unable to qualify for the victory.

Zach Osha pitched the fifth inning and picked up his first win as a Blazer, while Jim Tom Copeland of Batesville, Jacob Byrd, and David Hill each followed with a scoreless frame. Sophomore Richard Richardson saw a run cross the plate in the ninth, but Belhaven was able to finish the series with three wins.

Offensively for the Blazers, Emilio DeSilva laced two hits and drove in three, while outfielder James Peterson collected three trips in four trips to the plate. Hamilton Harper also tallied two base knocks, while shortstop Gabe Wilson plated a pair.

Kansas Varner and Zach Vandlandingham finished the game as the only two Cougars with multiple base hits, while Kahlenbeck was credited with team’s only RBI. Nathan Coakley suffered the loss for St. Francis, allowing six runs on eight hits through the game’s first four innings. The bullpen provided little relief, as the Blazers scored five times over the next four frames.

Belhaven is set to return to action on Tuesday, when they host crosstown rival Tougaloo College at Smith-Wills Stadium. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.