Mt. Aloysius showed plenty of offensive firepower across both contests, totaling 13 runs on 19 hits, but defensive miscues and one big inning in each game proved costly in the sweep.

In game one, the Mounties jumped out early behind a strong offensive surge in the second inning. Coy Martino (Punxsutawney, Pa., Punxsutawney) and Tyler Alexander (Portage, Pa., Portage) launched home runs, with Alexander's two-run shot pushing Mt. Aloysius ahead 4-1. Anthony Maseto (Cherry Tree, Pa., Harmony) added an RBI knock in the first, and Logan Quade (Mechanicsville, Md., Chopticon) later chipped in with an RBI single to tie the game at 5-5 in the fourth.

However, Franciscan capitalized on defensive errors in the third inning, scoring four runs, with three of them being unearned to flip the game. The Barons added single runs in the fifth and sixth to take control. Alexander stayed hot at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs, including a solo shot in the seventh that brought the Mounties within one, but the rally fell short in the 7-6 loss.

In game two, Mt. Aloysius again battled back and appeared to seize momentum midway through the game. Owen McDermott (West Leechburg, Pa., Leechburg) led the charge, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and three RBIs. His go-ahead blast in the third and a two-run triple in the sixth helped the Mounties build a 7-3 advantage.

Sidric Grove (Clearville, Pa., Everett) also delivered in game two at the plate, collecting three hits and driving in two runs, while Quade reached base three times and scored twice.

But Franciscan answered with a decisive six-run sixth inning, using a combination of walks, hit batters, and timely hits to erase the deficit and take an 8-7 lead. The Mounties were unable to respond in the seventh, sealing the sweep for the Barons.

The Mounties (6-14) will host Penn State Behrend (11-4) on Sunday in a conference doubleheader. First pitch will be at 1:00 pm.

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