Twice Saturday, Mary Baldwin took early leads in a pair of seven-inning non-conference baseball games against Mount Aloysius.  Twice, the Mounties (2-4) grabbed the lead with big innings in the middle of the game and held on to beat the Fighting Squirrels (2-4).

In the opener, MBU held a 2-1 lead after four innings but the Mounties broke loose for five runs in the top of the fifth on the way to a 7-2 lead.  The Fighting Squirrels posted three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but the rally fell short in a 7-5 loss.

MBU managed six hits in the first game along with four walks.  Michael Robertson, Will Earnesty, Noah Kessler and Landon Lightner each reached base safely twice on hits or walks.  Starter Tucker Hemsley was strong through four innings, but left in the game-deciding fifth inning.

In the nightcap, Mount Aloysius erased a 2-0 deficit by bookending three-run innings in the third and sixth around single runs in the fourth and fifth on the way to an 8-3 decision.  Josh Lallo had two of MBU's six hits and scored a run.

For the day, John Griffith had five hits, including a double and home run in the second game, and knocked in four runs while Zach Peck had a double and homer in the first game and finished the DH with four RBI.  Tyler Quade also contributed a 4-for-8 day at the plate with three runs scored and three RBI.

The Fighting Squirrels and Mounties finish the three-game weekend series Sunday at John E. Painter Park in Grottoes, VA, starting at noon.