HANNIBAL, Mo. - Ashford's baseball squad fell on the road in a pair of close games to Hannibal-LaGrange College on Wednesday at Trojan Field, 8-4 and 3-2. The Saints' season record dropped to 5-7.

"Unfortunately, we played real flat and lacked the intensity that we had on Sunday (at Cornell College)," said Ashford Head Coach John Govek. "Our pitching was OK - it gave us a chance to win, but we couldn't get that clutch hit once runners got on base."

The Saints outhit Hannibal-LaGrange in the first game, 10-8, but Ashford yielded seven runs in the fifth inning as the game blew open. Senior Brian Cummings had three RBI on a pair of singles and sophomore Brandon Van Blaricome scored twice on two hits.

Senior Tyler Sukut added a run-scoring double in the fourth inning to plate Jake Steve that put the Saints up by one, but the Trojans batted around in the fifth and roughed up Ashford's pitching.

AU starter J.D. Fabian (1-1) took the loss, allowing five runs, four earned, through 4 1/3 innings.

In the second affair, Ashford's offense was held in check by Jim Niemczyk, who allowed four hits in seven innings. Sukut and junior Jordan Wakeley were both credited with an RBI.

Ashford tied the game at two in the top of the seventh inning as pinch runner Elliot Swiatly came around to score.

The Trojans opened up their half of the seventh frame with back-to-back base hits off junior reliever Nick St. Ores (0-2) and loaded the bases on an intentional walk. An error by Cummings at third brought home the winning run with no outs.

"Give credit to the Hannibal-LaGrange pitching staff because they kept us off balance," said Govek.

Ashford plays at home for the first time this season as it welcomes Iowa Wesleyan College on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's game is schedule to begin at 1 p.m. with a noon start slated for Sunday.