DUBUQUE, Iowa – Although the third game didn't go as planned for the Duhawks, it was a series win for a third straight season against their crosstown rivals, with the 4-3 and 3-7 results today.

Game Two
The Purple and Gold were playing aggressively out the gates, with Jackson Cullen singling into center field and immediately stealing second base after. This set up Cody Sunny to knock in Cullen and give Loras (15-12, 5-7 A-R-C) an early lead.

In the bottom of the second, the University of Dubuque (12-12, 4-6) had an answer, driving in one on a single. Then, in the third, a solo homer from the Spartans gave them a lead of their own. Dubuque's advantage was short-lived though, as the leadoff man, Justin Gutierrez, sent a solo shot down the left field line to knot things right back up.

Action returned in the top of the fifth, when Max McCallum led off with a triple and was scored by Cullen who grounded out to short.

The teeter-totter game continued, with the University of Dubuque pushing one across with two outs in the bottom frame. Then, just as it was meant to be, the junior Cullen would score Jake Olszewski with bases loaded and one out, although a nifty pitching effort from UD's Charlie Jaeger would keep it at a one run advantage for the Purple and Gold.

Adam Williamson was relieved in the ensuing half-inning by Andrew Krause, and he'd lead Loras all the way to the ninth, where the reigns were given to Dylan Ackermann. A quick one-two-three inning for the senior gave the Duhawks their tenth straight victory over the Spartans and confirmed their third straight series victory in as many seasons.

Game Three
Once again, the Purple and Gold would strike first, this time in the second inning. Vince Polizzi hit a single to left, and Gutierrez walked, giving the Duhawks some traffic on the basepaths. A sacrifice bunt from Vince McDowell set up Alex Sandoval to collect an RBI groundout, which was followed by an RBI from Trevor Segraves thanks to an error from Dubuque.

Although the Duhawks jumped out in front, the Spartans had an answer. Over the next seven innings, the Spartans snagged seven runs and limited Loras to only one.

Danny Hiemer did his best to keep the Purple and Gold in the game, and he only allowed one earned run, but the bats just couldn't find home against the Spartans' pitching staff.

A last gasp in the bottom of the ninth saw Olszewski score on an error from UD, but it was to no avail.

Streaks Are Meant To Be Broken
The game three loss broke a ten-game winning streak for the Duhawks against their rivals, however, the series went in Loras' favor for a third consecutive year.

On Deck: Loras takes on Simpson College on Friday, April 11 at Petrakis Park in Dubuque. The first game of senior weekend is set to begin at 6:00 p.m.