CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University baseball team made its final stand at Alliant Energy Field a memorable one.

Behind a three-run homer by Cameron Puetz of Peru, Ill., and a game-winning RBI single by Jake Peters of St. Charles, Ill., in the eighth inning, the Saints surged to victory against the Statesmen in their home finale, 10-9, in a nine-inning affair on Tuesday.

Ashford now carries strong momentum into tomorrow's critical tripleheader at heavy-hitting Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, a squad that has mashed 56 total home runs to date this year.

"Tonight was one of the most complete games we've put together this season," AU Head Coach John Govek said. "You could see the confidence in our players and they executed down the stretch when it counted. There was also some strong senior leadership from several players, including (Jordan) Wakeley."

Puetz' team-leading fourth homer of the year keyed a five-run first inning as the Saints forced WP starter Ryan Magana out after recording just two outs into the game. Puetz turned on a fastball middle-in and ripped a line drive over the left-field fence.

"This win was huge because we're playing to continue our season, for the seniors and for the team," Puetz said. "This is a great win. I've never played a tripleheader, but we'll be ready to get back on the bus in about nine hours."

But the Statesmen would organize a rally, closing the gap and taking the lead by the fourth frame.

The Saints countered with a two-run fifth frame to tie it at 7-all after a fielder's choice by Jason Fletcher of Gilberts, Ill., and a throwing error by Statesmen catcher Eddie Sobczak exploited a delayed steal attempt to plate AU pinch runner Brandon VanBlaricome of Bettendorf.

But William Penn, now on a four-game losing skid, pulled ahead with two more runs in its half of the seventh inning. A sacrifice bunt led to an RBI double and Jared Hernandez found a hole in the infield for a run-scoring single.

Ashford was resilient in the eighth, putting the first two hitters on base with a walk and double down the left -field line. Adam Wojciechowski of LaSalle, Ill., drilled the first offering he saw over the center fielder for a two RBI double.

With two outs, Peters was the hero, lining a sharp single up the middle to score pinch runner Mitch Jankowski of Brownsburg, Ind.

Hunter Allspaugh of Chadwick, Ill., wore the unconventional No. 26 jersey, but picked up the relief win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Junior Billy Becker of Peru, Ill., shut down the final two batters he faced for a save.

Ashford had a golden opportunity to take the lead slip away in the sixth after a leadoff triple by Wakeley of Freeport, Ill., as WP reliever Nick Minot induced a 6-3 groundout and punched out the next two batters he faced.

The Saints leave early tomorrow for Mount Pleasant for a three-game series against Iowa Wesleyan on the Tigers' Senior Day.