KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo baseball team dropped the final game of a three game series against Oakland City, losing by a final score of 9-6 Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Cougars now hold an overall record of 20-12 with a 9-3 mark in River States Conference action.

The Cougars struck first with a two-run homer by Jack Leverenz, giving IUK a 2-0 lead through one inning. The Oaks answered with a two-run single in the top of the second to tie the score.

Three more runs came for IU Kokomo in the second inning. Dylan Janke hit an RBI single to send Jacob Medvescek home, and Garrett Lupoi scored on an RBI by Tahj Borom. Borom then scored on Caden Whitehead's RBI single to make it 5-2 IU Kokomo.

After a quick and scoreless third inning, Oakland City pushed seven runs across in the top of the fourth to take a commanding 9-5 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Cougars cut their deficit to three runs with Jack Leverenz's RBI single that sent Caden Whitehead across the plate. This would unfortunately be the final score of the game, as IUK fell 9-6.

Alec Murphy started on the mound for IU Kokomo. Murphy pitched three innings and gave up four hits and four earned runs with seven walks and one strikeout.

Nathan Stanley relieved Murphy in the fourth inning. Stanley gave up six hits and five earned runs. Luke McDonald came in after Stanley and recorded one walk and one strikeout while giving up five hits.

Blake Kimball pitched the final four innings for IUK. Kimball gave up three hits and struck out two batters in his second appearance of the weekend.

The Cougars will be back in action next week when they play Indiana Tech on the road Tuesday, before a three game weekend series at IUPUC in Columbus, Indiana.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.