BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Belhaven Blazers baseball team took both ends of their Friday doubleheader against Howard Payne University to 7-1 in conference play. 

GAME ONE 

The Blazers took the first game against the Yellow Jackets by an 11-3 scoreline despite falling behind early in the contest. After surrendering a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning, Belhaven scored eight unanswered including a six-run fifth inning to give themselves a healthy lead. 

Leading 8-2 going into the sixth inning, the Blazers tacked on two more runs before Howard Payne got a run back in the home half of the frame. Belhaven added a run in the top of the seventh inning and took home the 11-3 win. 

Will Swift made his second start of the season and settled in nicely after allowing the first inning runs to the hosts. One the day, Swift 5 2/3 innings allowing three runs on 12 hits. Only one run was earned and the freshman struck out six on the way to his second win of the season. Logan Goodreau came in to pitch in relief for the Blazers and slammed the door shut throwing 1 1/3 shutout innings. Goodreau allowed just one hit and picked up a strikeout. 

At the plate, four Blazers recorded multi-hit games. Caleb Whittle led the way going 2-5 with two runs scored and three RBI. Hunter White finished 2-3 with an RBI while Trip Benson and Nathan Herron each picked up two hits on the day as well. 

GAME TWO

In the second game, Belhaven struck first plating a run in the top half of the first but the hosts answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame. After a trio of scoreless innings for both sides, the Blazers took the lead in the fifth inning scoring two runs on a ball put in play by Nathan Herron. 

The Blazers would extend their lead to 4-1 in the ninth but two late runs in the final frame pushed the game to extra innings. After a scoreless 10th inning, Belhaven manufactured the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run in the 11th after Caleb Whittle came around to score on a fielder's choice. Howard Payne was set down in order in the 11th and the Blazers took a 5-4 win in 11 innings. 

Brett Sanchez got the start for the Blazers and went the distance throwing all 11 innings. Sanchez allowed four runs (three earned) on 10 hits and struck out nine on the way to his sixth straight win to open the season. Sanchez now sits at 6-0 on the year with three complete games under his belt. 

Hunter White delivered another multi-hit game in the nightcap, finishing 2-6 with a pair of runs scored. Kyle McLaughlin finished 2-3 at the plate with a run scored as he continues his strong pace this season. 

With the wins, the Blazers move to 12-5 on the season and 7-1 in ASC competition. Belhaven will go for the series sweep at Howard Payne on Saturday with first pitch set for 1 PM. 

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