Niles, Ohio -- Freshman outfielder Alejandro Covas tied the single-game school record with two triples as the Youngstown State baseball team fell 18-5 to Purdue Fort Wayne in the series finale on Sunday at Eastwood Field.

Covas set a new career high with three hits as he went 3-for-4 with a pair of triples, an RBI and a run scored to lead the Penguins offensively. The Peninsula, Ohio, native became the 11th player in program history to triple twice in a game and the first since 2021.

The Penguins scored a single run in the home half of the first inning before the Mastodons responded with a pair of three-run innings to take a 6-1 lead. YSU cut into the deficit with two runs in the fourth, but Purdue Fort Wayne answered four runs in the fifth to extend its advantage. The 'Dons added three runs in the sixth, one in the seventh and four in the ninth while the Guins posted single tallies in the fifth and the seventh.

Youngstown State falls to 2-17 overall and 1-2 in Horizon League Play while Purdue Fort Wayne improves to 8-13 overall and 2-1 in league action.

Trey Law, Matt Thompson, Eli Brown and Joe Suarez each singled for YSU, and Law also walked twice and scored two runs. Ian Francis drove in a pair of runs from the third spot in the lineup.

YSU starter Colin Casteel, who was one of seven pitchers to appear for the Penguins, suffered the loss after allowing three unearned runs on one hit and two walks in two innings on the mound.

The Penguins struck first in the bottom of the first inning as Covas hit a one-out triple to center field and scored on an RBI groundout by Francis.

The Mastodons countered with three runs in the top of the second inning, and they would hold the upper hand the remainder of the afternoon to secure the series victory. Purdue Fort Wayne added three runs in the third to build a five-run lead.

YSU got back on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Thompson hit a one-out single and scored on an RBI single from Brown. Teddy Ruffner walked and scored on a sacrifice fly from Trey Pancake to pull the Penguins within 6-3.

After the 'Dons posted four runs in the top of the fifth, Youngstown State scored once in the bottom half of the inning. Law reached with a leadoff single and scored on a sacrifice fly from Francis. YSU's final run came in the bottom of the seventh when Law drew a one-out walk and scored on an RBI triple to right field by Covas.

Purdue Fort Wayne starter Sean Kasper permitted three runs on three hits over 3.1 innings. Josh Kuhns was awarded the victory after allowing one run on three hits in 2.1 innings of relief.

Youngstown State will conclude a four-game homestand on Tuesday with a non-conference contest against Bowling Green. First pitch at Eastwood Field is scheduled for 5 p.m.