BATESVILLE, Ark. - Spalding University baseball traveled to Batesville, Arkansas, this past weekend for a hard-fought three-game series against Lyon College. The Golden Eagles showcased their resilience, bouncing back from a narrow extra-innings loss in the opener to take the final two games and secure the series victory.

Game 1: Lyon 12, Spalding 11 (10 Innings)
The series opener was a back-and-forth slugfest that ultimately went the way of the Scots. Spalding jumped out to an early 5-1 lead in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Jesse Walter. However, Lyon responded with a massive six-run fifth inning to take the lead.

The Golden Eagles didn't back down, reclaiming a 9-8 lead in the seventh behind a clutch three-run double from Eli Nutter. The game remained tied 11-11 heading into the 10th inning, where Lyon's Kooper McCoy delivered a walk-off RBI double to hand Spalding a heartbreaking defeat. Despite the loss, Caleb Coffey and Ryan Eubanks were consistent threats at the plate, combining for multiple hits and RBIs.

Game 2: Spalding 12, Lyon 9
Spalding's offense remained hot in the nightcap of Friday's doubleheader. The Eagles exploded for six runs in the second inning, featuring a triple by Jesse Walter and RBIs from AJ Lopez and Xavier Rahman.

Lyon once again attempted a comeback with a six-run fifth inning to pull within two, but the Spalding bullpen and late-inning insurance runs proved to be the difference. Logan Strong and Jimmy Caldwell added key RBI hits in the eighth to extend the lead, while Holden Caplinger earned the win on the mound. AJ Lopez finished the game with three RBIs, leading a balanced offensive attack that racked up 19 hits.

Game 3: Spalding 5, Lyon 2
With the series on the line Saturday, Spalding turned to ace Cameron Rayborn, who delivered a stellar performance to clinch the series. Rayborn moved to 5-1 on the season, keeping the Scots' bats in check for most of the afternoon.

The game was a tight 1-1 affair until the fifth inning when Spalding capitalized on a Lyon error. Joshua Wilmot broke the tie with an RBI double down the left-field line, followed by an RBI single from Brayden Caldemeyer to make it 3-1. AJ Lopez was a force at the top of the lineup, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Two insurance runs in the ninth ensured there would be no Lyon comeback, as Spalding shut the door to take the 5-2 win.