SALINA, Kan – The University of Saint Mary baseball team ran out to a fast start scoring five of the game's first five runs, but Kansas Wesleyan countered right after and defeated the Spires 11-6 Wednesday afternoon.

The Spires are now 5-11 overall and 3-8 in the KCAC.

Daunte Freeman got the scoring started for the Spires in the first inning, driving in Matt Ladd on an RBI double. Troy Hughes would knock him in later on a sacrifice fly ball as the Spires led 2-0. Bryan Fuentes would score the lone run in the third inning on a fielder's choice before Saint Mary tacked on two more runs in the fourth. Antonio Valentin and Ashton Findley hit back-to-back home runs for the Spires to give them a 5-0 lead.

Kansas Wesleyan did not let the deficit phase them however, as they posted five runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Coyotes would add six more runs to take an 11-5 lead into the seventh inning before Saint Mary cut into the lead. Oscar Osorio doubled down the right field line to advance Freeman to third base. Damian Lomeli then knocked Freeman in on a single as the Coyotes led 11-6.

The Spires tried to battle back in the ninth inning, but KWU held on for the win.

Freeman led the team with three hits, while five different Spires had an RBI.

Matt Weis took the loss throwing two innings and recording three strikeouts. Richard Davis recorded the win on the mound for the Coyotes throwing one inning with one strikeout.

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Saint Mary is scheduled to play at home against Ottawa University in a three game series, starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.