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DUNDAS, Ont. - Gavin McLean struck out 10 batters over seven dominant innings in the opener, while Simon Coutts and Liam Conlin combined on a four-hit shutout in the second game as the Laurier Golden Hawks swept the McMaster Marauders in their OUA baseball doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Volunteer Field.
Laurier improved to 3-3 on the season, taking the opener 9-1 before securing a 3-0 victory in Game 2.
McLean set the tone in the first game, allowing just one run on five hits while walking two. The right-hander consistently worked out of trouble and recorded 10 strikeouts to earn the victory.
The Golden Hawks opened the scoring in the second inning when a McMaster error plated the game's first run before Brendan Boys lined an RBI single down the left-field line to double the lead.
Laurier broke the game open in the fourth inning, scoring four runs on four hits. Lucas Bateman highlighted the frame with a two-run home run to left field, while Philip Sephton followed with a two-run single to extend the advantage.
The Golden Hawks collected nine hits in the win. Bateman, Cameron Bendo and Boys each recorded two-hit performances, while Bateman and Sephton drove in two runs apiece. Nolan Goranson added two walks as Laurier drew seven free passes.
McMaster's offence was led by Lucas Grant and Quinten Shannon, who each had two hits. Grant drove in the Marauders' lone run.
Laurier's pitching remained sharp in the second game as Coutts and Conlin combined to blank McMaster.
Coutts started and worked four scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out six and walking three. Conlin followed with three shutout innings of relief, surrendering just one hit while striking out two to close out the victory.
After four scoreless innings, Laurier broke through in the fifth. Boys delivered an RBI single to score the game's first run and put the Golden Hawks ahead for good.
The visitors added two insurance runs and relied on a clean defensive effort to secure the sweep. Laurier did not commit an error in the contest, with Bateman handling a game-high nine defensive chances at first base.
Boys paced the offence from the bottom of the lineup, going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Bendo and Boys each drove in a run, while the Golden Hawks turned a double play defensively.
John Dykyj led McMaster at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance.
Laurier will look to carry its momentum into Sunday's road doubleheader against the Western Mustangs at Dan Pulham Field in London.
