DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque baseball team excelled on the mound yet again on Saturday with two shutouts and allowing only five hits across 18 innings. The Spartans won game one by a final of 5-0 and then on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth in game two to finish off the series sweep. 

Game 1
After an opening walk by Daniel Maller in the bottom of the first, Maller proceeded to steal second base and then advanced to third on a passed ball. Jake Cekander doubled down the left field line to score the games first run of the game scoring Maller. Husko then hit a ball through the right side of the field scoring Cekander. The bottom of the second inning was much like the first as Maller got on via a walk again and then recorded his second stolen of the base of the game to advance to second. Cekander then hit a single to right field, scoring Maller and his second RBI of the game. 

In the bottom of the fourth, the Spartans scored their final two runs of the game on a Husko single through the left side of the infield scoring Cekander and Maller. The Spartans only allowed two hits the rest of the way to get the 5-0 shutout win. 

Aidan Elfering went 8.0 innings allowing only three hits and striking out nine batters for his fourth victory of the season. 

Game 2
A pitching dual for both teams was the theme of game two as the first hit of the game didn't occur until Simpson got their first of two hits in the game in the top of the third inning. The Spartans finally broke up the Simpson no-hitter bid in the bottom of the fourth as Elfering used a bunt single to reach base safely. Both teams only had two hits a piece as the Spartans entered the bottom of the ninth inning with Simpson relieving their starting pitcher. After the opening out of the inning, Husko walked and then Luke Burgos singled to have runners on first and second with one out. With the Spartans threatening, Kyle Radi got hit by a pitch to load the bases and then JD Schaffer was the hero for the Spartans with a walk-off single to right field to win the game. 

Charlie Jaeger went 7.2 innings and struck out 14 of the 28 batters he faced. Jaeger got very close to his teammate, Johnny Blake's school record of 17 strikeouts in a game on Friday. Christian Battista relieved Jaeger and got the win after 1.1 innings pitched. 

The Spartans move to 17-8 overall and 6-4 in A-R-C play. The Spartans are also now on a three-game winning streak. 

Up Next
The Spartans will face the Loras College Duhawks on Tuesday, April 9 for a doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Petrakis Park.