Franklin, Ind. - Sophomore Frank Podkul (Schererville, Ind./Andrean) hit two home runs in the first two innings as the Franklin College baseball team earned an 8-3 victory over Mount St. Joseph University on Friday to open the three-game Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) series.

The Grizzlies (11-15, 6-7 HCAC) scored seven runs during the first two innings. Podkul connected on a two-run home run in the first inning to start a four-run frame. Junior Jacob Troxell (Lapel, Ind./Lapel) brought home senior Joe Ardizzone (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) with a double later in the inning. Troxell scored on a single from sophomore Jackson Freed (Westfield, Ind./Westfield) to give Franklin a 4-0 lead.

The hosts scored three times in the second inning. Freshman Jordan Clark (Connersville, Ind./Connersville) hit a triple to score sophomore Mitch Schuman (St. Leon, Ind./East Central) for the first run of the inning. Podkul followed with his second two-run home run of the contest to cap the early scoring.

The early run support was enough for junior starting pitcher Jacob McMain (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo), who recorded eight strikeouts in seven quality innings. The right hander allowed one earned run and six hits. Sophomore Aaron Leming (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina Memorial) tallied three strikeouts in two scoreless innings in relief.

MSJ (16-11, 5-9 HCAC) scored one run in the fourth and fifth innings to get within 7-2. A solo home run in the seventh inning cut the deficit to 7-3.

Clark hit a sacrifice fly to score freshman Tanner Nicholson (Greencastle, Ind./Greencastle) in the seventh inning.

Podkul went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in and scored two runs to lead Franklin's 11-hit offensive attack. Clark scored two runs and drove home two runs. Nicholson, Schuman, and Troxell each added two hits in the victory.

Franklin concludes its weekend series with MSJ with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 16, at noon from John P. McDowell Field. It will be Franklin Youth Baseball Day and also be Bullpen Club Alumni/Family Day.

Live statistics of both games will be available.  Live video of Saturday's doubleheader opener will also be available HERE. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics). Like the Grizzlies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics), and on Instagram (@fcgrizzlies).