The Aurora University Spartans traveled to Wheaton College's Lee Pfund Stadium in Carol Stream, Illinois for the opening game of the Wheaton Invite against Saint Mary's University (Minn.). AU fell to the Cardinals 12-2 in eight innings.

GAME INFORMATION – Friday, March 18, 2016
Score: Saint Mary's University (Minn.) 12, Aurora University 2
Records: Aurora University (5-7) vs. Saint Mary's University (Minn.) (10-3)
Location: Carol Stream, Illinois. – Lee Pfund Stadium (Wheaton College)
 
SPARTAN STARTING LINE UP:
1. #4 Jeffrey Mayes  - SS
2. #6 Nick Turner  - RF
3. #30 Dillon Popovich - 1B
4. #11 Adam Lipscomb - 2B
5. #16 Harry Vickers  - DH
6. #31 Nicholas Mathey  - LF
7. #7 Cale Sparks - 3B
8  #9 Jeff Lapage - C
9. #2 Ryan Rybakowski  - CF
10. #13 Kyle Manske - pitcher
 
SPARTAN HIGHLIGHTS
- Cale Sparks was two for three with one run scored.
- Nick Turner was two for four with one run scored and one run batted in.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Saint Mary's scored three runs in the bottom of the first to take a 3-0 lead on a bases clearing double.
- The Spartans cut into the deficit in the second with a run scoring single from Nick Turner that scored Cale Sparks.
- Saint Mary's scored two runs in the third and five in the fifth to take a 10-1 lead.
- AU scored one run in the seventh but the early inning rally was thwarted by a double-play.
- Saint Mary's scored two runs in the eighth and enacted the mercy rule, 12-2.

SPARTAN LEADERS:
HITS: Nick Turner and Cale Sparks (2)
RUNS: Turner and Sparks (1)
RUNS BATTED IN: Turner (1)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan baseball team comes on Saturday, March 19 when they travel to Wheaton College. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Carol Stream, Illinois at Lee Pfund Field.