Florence, Kentucky—The offense for the Mount St. Joseph University Baseball program was humming, in their weekend series with Olivet College. Not only would the Lions explode from the plate, they would sweep the three game series with the comets, improving their record to 8-7 overall.
Game One: MSJ 8 Olivet 5
The first game of the double header was a quick flowing game, despite the large scoring output by both clubs. Tied at 0-0 going into the home half of the third, the Freshman Shortstop, Caleb Partin would start his huge day by driving a double into deep left center. A sacrifice groundout by Jake Lawson would move Partin 90 feet away from the plate, allowing a Ryan Murray single to score the first run of the ball game.
Both teams would turn in a scoreless fourth. The Lions would strike for one run in the bottom of the fifth when Josh Hagans found himself at third after a well hit triple and Austin Price would drive in the run on a groundout. This sent the game into the top of the sixth 2-0.
Olivet would change the course of the game in the top of sixth, plating five total runs. The Lions would tie the ball game in their half of the sixth, Max Kline would reach base with one out on a single, advancing to second on a wild pitch. Then, Hagans would record a single that would score Kline. Price would tally an RBI triple into deep right center field and would score on a Partin double. After another scoreless inning for the Comets, the Mount would plate the go-ahead run and Harrison would cross the plate on a fielding error by Olivet.
The final scoring of game one would be done in the bottom of the eighth. Partin would drive a ball into the depths of the ball park, for the first home run of his Mount career. Then Jake Lawson would follow this up with an extra base hit of his own, this time a double. This set the stage for a Ryan Murray RBI single. Once the dust settled on game one of the double header, the Lions earned their seventh win, 8-5.
Many Lions recorded great days. Partin was the top performer for the Mount going a perfect four of four at the plate including two doubles and a home run. The shortstop would also finish the game with two RBI's. Murray was spectacular at the plate, finishing three of five with two RBI's. Price had a great outing finishing two of four, including his long triple and driving in two runs.
The Lions had a great start from Derek Richter, who went seven innings of work allowing four runs and striking out four batters. Ryan Caulfield would earn the win, pitching one inning and striking out one batter. Brice McGee would shut the door on the Comets, pitching 1.2 innings, earning a save and striking out a pair of batters.
Game Two: MSJ 14 Olivet 7
Game two, and the final game of the three game series saw the Lions earn their eighth win of the year. The Comets would earn the first score of the ball game in the top of the third, the Lions would return the favor in the bottom of the third. Leadoff hitter, Matt Brankamp would single and steal second. Lawson would draw a walk and Murray would record his second home run of the series, this time a three run home run. Back to back doubles by Andrew Harrison and Tyrell Anderson would score the fourth run of the inning.
Olivet would add two runs to their cause, however the Lions would outpace the effort by scoring three runs in their half of the inning. A single by the centerfielder, Murray would score two and an RBI single by Harrison would drive in the third run in the inning, making the score 7-3. Both clubs would score one run in the fifth, the Lions would earn their run when Price drew a walk, stealing second and scoring on a Brankamp triple.
The bottom of the sixth would see the Mount add another run, Jake Lawson would hit a triple down the right field line to leadoff the inning. Following a Murray walk, Harrison would ground into a fielders choice that scored Lawson, making the score 9-4. The Comets would attempt to crawl back into the game, scoring two unanswered runs. The bottom of the eighth saw a slew of walks score five runs for the Lions to push them over Olivet 14-7.
Game two of the double header packed the stat sheet for the Lions. Murray had a phenomenal game, recording two hits, including his home run and an unbelievable six RBI's. Brankamp earned two hits and two RBI's, while Harrison would drive in two runs while collecting one hit.
Aidan Post started the game on the mound for the Lions pitching 5.2 innings, allowing 2 earned runs, striking out 6 batters and the third win of the season. Evan Webb would enter the game in relief, pitching 3.1 innings while striking out 3 batters and earning his first save of the season.
With this three game series completed the Lions will now look forward to traveling to Asbury College on Saturday, March 26. Game one of this series will begin at Noon, followed by game two at 3 PM. For continued coverage of this upcoming series and all other MSJ Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
