TUCSON, Ariz. – The Simpson baseball team used a nine-run third inning to beat Marian (Wis.) 13-9 in the opener on the way to a doubleheader split Wednesday at the Tucson Invitational. Simpson lost game two 8-4.

Meeting for the second time in five days, the outcome was similar for the Storm (2-6) in game one.

Just like the season-opener last Friday, Simpson got a big offensive effort. And just like the season-opener, Brock Borgeson was the beneficiary.

Gage Reis and Hunter Hillygus led the way at the plate as Simpson pounded out 13 hits. Reis went 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and four RBIs, hitting a two-run bomb in the first and driving in two on a double in the third. Hillyguys also went 3-for-4 with two doubles, finishing with three RBIs. He chipped in with a two-run double of his own in the big third inning.

In all, Simpson collected seven of its 13 hits in the third inning and sent 13 batters to the plate.

Borgeson got roughed up early, allowing eight runs on seven hits in the first two innings as Simpson trailed 8-3 after two. He settled down after that, allowing just five hits the rest of the way. He struck out eight to improve to 2-0 on the year.

Simpson took an early 3-0 lead in the nightcap but couldn’t keep up the momentum in the 8-4 loss. Bud Smith went 2-for-3 with a double but Marian put up five in the third to take a 7-3 lead.

Trevor Dudar (0-1) took the loss, allowing eight runs – seven earned – in four innings.

Up next: The Storm close play at the Tucson Invitational on Thursday with a doubleheader against Bethany Lutheran.