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Box Score 2 Defiance, Ohio—The Lions took to the road on Saturday, April 17 for a doubleheader against Defiance College. This competitive double-header saw the Lions split games, taking the first game, while dropping a closely contested second game.
GAME ONE: MSJ 6 DC 5 F/9
The first inning passed by quickly, however both teams got the bats out in the second inning. The Lions were able to plate four runs on four hits in the top of the second thanks to a Brady Ray RBI single, a two RBI Matt Brankamp single and Ryan Murray driving in a run off of a single to left field. However the Lions gave up three runs in the bottom of the second.
After seven innings of work Jacob Hughes, was done for the game after striking out 8 Defiance hitters and eventually earning his fourth win of the season. He was replaced by Brice McGee who was able to collect his second save for the Lions out of the bullpen, going two innings and only surrendering one run, allowing the Lions to hold onto their win.
For the offense the Lions were able manufacture six runs off of just four hits. These hits came off of the bats of Murray, Brankamp, Ray and Carter Owen. Brankamp had a solid day, driving in two runs and drawing two walks off of the Defiance Pitching staff.
GAME TWO: MSJ 3 DC 5 F/9
Game two of this doubleheader was very different from the first game, as the Lions collected 11 hits, but were only able to plate three runs. The Lions finally got their bats going in the top of the sixth inning already down 3-0. In this inning, the Mount loaded the bases after a lead off single from Patrick Murray, followed Tyrell Anderson drawing a walk and a Owen single, this brought Ian Mustard to the plate, in an at-bat that he singled into left field while driving in two runs. In the top of the ninth the Lions made a last ditch effort to overcome a 2-5 deficit but being stopped short after scoring only one run, when Jake Lawson advanced home on a wild pitch. This ended the game for the Lions on the wrong side of 5-3.
The Lions bats finally got hot in this game with three players collecting multi-hit games. Short-stop Lawson went 3-5 at the plate and drove in two runs for the Lions. The duo of Patrick Murray and Mustard collected two hits individually for the Lions as well. Along with this Starting Pitcher Nathan Renner had a quality start despite getting credited with a loss, as he only gave up two earned runs over seven innings and striking out eight batters.
UP NEXT:
The Lions are back in action Sunday, April 18 when they host Manchester University for a double header at Foundation Field on the campus of Miami-Hamilton. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 PM with the second game set to start at 4:30. For coverage of this double header continue to follow msjlions.com
