WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball team opened their trip to Florida with a 3-1 loss to Saginaw Valley State Sunday, March 6 at Chain of Lakes Stadium in Winter Haven, Fla.

The Golden Eagles dropped to 5-9 with Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. Saginaw Valley State improved to 3-5 with the victory.

Minnesota Crookston was held to four hits on the game after strong pitching from Saginaw Valley State's Tyler McLaren, who picked up the win after going 7.2 innings and allowing one run, on four hits, with five strikeouts, and three walks. Reed Raymond earned the save for the Cardinals.

Minnesota Crookston got great pitching on the day. Alex Koep (So., LHP, Parkers Prairie, Minn.) went five innings, allowing just two runs, on five hits, with six strikeouts, and just two walks. Koep has been outstanding thus far for the Golden Eagles. Jake Osowski (R-So., RHP, East Grand Forks, Minn.) came on in relief and tossed three innings, allowing just one run, on two hits.

The Golden Eagles were guided by Jake Hjelle (R-So., 3B/OF, East Grand Forks, Minn.), who went 2-of-4. Brad Morris (R-Sr., OF, Auckland, New Zealand) finished 1-of-3, while Matt Nunn (Jr., C, Edina, Minn.) was 1-of-4. Ben Thoma (R-Sr., C/3B, Clearbrook, Minn.) had an RBI, while Zeke Hass (Jr., OF, Eaton, Minn.) scored a run.

Saginaw Valley State was led by Colin Cornwell, who went 2-of-4 with a run scored. Raymond finished 2-of-3, with an RBI. Hayden Jatczak finished the game 1-of-4, with one RBI. Todd Paperd went 1-of-3, with a run scored. Connor McClennen went 1-of-3, with an RBI, and a run scored.

Minnesota Crookston jumped on the scoreboard first in the top of the first when Hass scored on a Thoma fielder's choice.

Saginaw Valley State evened the score 1-1 when Raymond doubled to center field to plate McClennen.

The Cardinals took the 2-1 advantage when Jatczak put down an infield single to plate Colin Cornwell.

Minnesota Crookston had a strong scoring chance in the top of the eighth as they loaded up the bases following Hass being hit by a pitch, Hjelle reaching on an infield single, and an intentional walk offered to Morris. However, Raymond got the crucial out to get Saginaw Valley State out of the bind.

Saginaw Valley State extended their lead to 3-1 in the eighth with a McClennen sacrifice fly, scoring Paperd.  

Minnesota Crookston continues play at the RussMatt Invitational Monday, March 7 at 5 p.m. C.T. against Lewis University at Lake Myrtle Complex in Auburndale, Fla.