Sam Forkert defeated Finlandia with the sixth no-hitter in Marian history. Marian athletics photo

FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Sam Forkert threw the sixth no-hitter in Marian University baseball history, and first since 1998, to defeat Finlandia University, 1-0, in game one and the Sabres made it a doubleheader sweep after a 5-1 victory in game two of its home opener at Herr-Baker Field this afternoon, March 25.

Despite the doubleheader being moved from Friday to today, Sam Forkert certainly made it worth the wait for the Sabre faithful, delivering a lights out performance on the mound. The sophomore from Sister Bay, Wis. struck out 12 batters, just two off the school-record, and scattered five walks. He moves to 1-0 and drops his ERA down to 0.96 after his first three starts.

The Marian pitching staff as a whole dropped its ERA down to 2.70 after allowing an unearned run in 16 innings this afternoon.The Sabres improve 5-5 on the young season, while Finlandia drops to 2-12.

In game one, the Marian offense was slow going, which made the effort by Forkert even that much more impressive. It didn't end without a little drama, however, as Forkert walked the lead-off batter, who eventually reached third with two outs. But, the lefty clutched up for his 12th strikeout of the afternoon to end the seven-inning contest.

It was just the sixth no-hitter in Marian history and first since 1998 when Jason Mackey no-hit Maranatha on April 14.

In game two, the offense came to life with five runs on eight hits. Senior Jesse Blum went five innings and didn't allow a hit before Mitchell Gardner came on in relief. Gardner allowed a one out double and that run eventually came around to score on a passed ball. Brandon Winfield came on in a non-save situation and got the final three outs to seal the win.

Garrett Dorn went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in game two. He finished the day 5-for-7 at the plate to boost his batting average to .353, which ranks him second on the team.

The Sabres will be back in action Wednesday, March 28, when they play host to Lawrence University at Herr-Baker Field in Fond du Lac. First pitch of the scheduled doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m.