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Box Score 2 Cincinnati, Ohio—The Mount St. Joseph University Baseball team hosted Hanover College at Foundation Field. After previously meeting this season three times and dropping all three games earlier this season the Lions looked forward to getting another shot at Hanover. Fortunately for the Lions they are starting to build momentum late in the season and swept Hanover in both games.
GAME ONE: MSJ 5 HC 2
In the first of the two game series between the team, the Lions started Jacob Hughes on the mound. Hughes was able to hold Hanover scoreless through the first three innings of play. The Lions struck quickly, plating two runs in the bottom of the second, which saw Tyrell Anderson single into right center field, followed by a Carter Owen single, after a feilders choice moved Anderson to third Nick Heil also singled to drive in the first of two runs. Later that inning Pedro Munoz was able to cross the plate, due to a Hanover error. In the top fourth inning Hanover was able to plate a run making the score 2-1. However the Lions were able to respond in the following half-inning as Josh Hagans doubled, and was later drove in on a Munoz single. Hanover would go onto score one more run in the top of the fifth bringing the score to 3-2.
After a scoreless sixth inning the Lions were able to pull away from Hanover in the bottom of the seventh with a two out rally. Ian Mustard started the Lions hitting off in the bottom of the seventh with a double down the left field line, allowing him to score on the next at-bat when Jake Lawson singled into left field. Later in the inning Ryan Murray came up with an RBI single to score Lawson. This was the end of the scoring for both teams in game one, allowing the Lions to win 5-2.
This game saw each of the Lions in the starting lineup collect one hit individually. The combination of Lawson, Murray, Heil and Munoz each drove in one run to contribute to the scoring column. However as good as the Lions hit the ball in this game the pitching was equally as good. Starting pitcher Hughes went six innings allowing just two runs and striking out eight batters. Then the Lions called upon Thomas Williams out of the bullpen, who ultimately finished the final three innings, without allowing a run and striking out two batters.
GAME TWO: MSJ 5 HC 3
Game two was almost identical to game one, great pitching and well timed offense. Hanover got on the board early, scoring one run in the top of the first. Fast-forwarding to the bottom of the fourth the Lions still trailing 1-0 were able to take the lead from Hanover with a three run frame. Owen started the scoring with a two run triple into left field, then scoring on a Munoz groundout. The fifth saw the two teams trade scores, with Murray hitting a sacrifice-fly to score Mustard. The top of the sixth saw Hanover creep closer, as they scored once again bring the score to 4-3. Starting Pitcher Nathan Renner finished his final inning of work without allowing another run before handing the ball to relief pitch Brice McGee.
The bottom of the seventh saw the Lions score an insurance run to extend their lead to 5-3, when Lawson scored on a wild pitch. The eighth and ninth innings went by quietly for both teams offensively, however McGee was phenomenal in his closing role retiring six batters in a row, while striking-out the first three that he faced to end the game and earn his third save of the season.
The Lions had three players drive in runs on their way to winning game two. Owen posted a team high two RBI's and a triple, while Murray and Munoz also drove in one run each. Starting pitcher Renner had a quality start for the Lions going seven innings allowing three runs and striking out seven batters on his way to collecting his third win of the season.
The Lions look forward to building momentum, when they travel to Lexington for a rematch against Transylvania University for a double-header. These games are scheduled for Saturday, May 1 with game one set to begin at 1PM. For continued coverage of the Lions season and all other Mount Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
