Lake Myrtle, Florida—Following a day off from game action the Mount St. Joseph University Baseball program was able to hit the field again. In this game the Lions were playing Russell Sage, from New York. The Lions would dominate again, winning by a final score of
The Mount would jump to an early 6-0 lead with a huge second inning rally. The scoring would start when Zach McKenna would double into left-field that drove in Max Kline. Later in the inning, Ryan Murray would drive in a pair of runners taking a 3-0 lead. To cap the scoring in the second inning Kline would hit a single through the left side of the infield, which scored Harrison and Murray. With a bulk that plated a Lions runner they would now hold a 6-0 lead.
The top of the third inning would be much of the same for the Baseball program, as they just would score four runs. Jake Lawson would earn an RBI by driving in Caleb Partin on a sacrifice fly. Matt Brankamp would single into right field and Ryan Murray would reach base on a bunt single. A wild pitch would put two runners in scoring position for the Lions' Third Basemen, Andrew Harrison. Harrison would hit a single into left field that allowed for both base-runners to cross the plate. A few moments later, Harrison would cross the plate himself, scoring on another wild pitch. This saw the Lions take control of a commanding 10-0 lead.
After a scoreless fifth inning, the Lions would add another run to their cause in the top of the fifth inning, when Harrison would score once again on a passed ball. Sage was able to make a dent in the Lion's lead in both the sixth and seventh innings, scoring two runs in each, bringing the score to 11-4.
In the top of the ninth inning, the Lions gave themselves some insurance runs, as leadoff hitter Jake Lawson would draw a walk and Murray would find his way on first after getting hit by a pitch. The two runners would advance on a passed ball that allowed a Harrison single into left field score both. Later in the inning, Nicholas Heil would find himself in the batter's box, Heil would record an RBI single to push the Lions ahead 14-4. After closing out the bottom of the ninth inning the Lions advanced to (4-6) overall on the season.
There were several Lions who contributed to the impressive offensive showing. Harrison continued his impressive Freshman campaign going three of five at the plate, Harrison would account for eight of the Lion's total runs, totaling four RBI's and crossing the plate four times. Murray would record three total hits on the afternoon, adding two RBI's to his season total. The Freshman pair of McKenna and Kline would both total two hits, Kline would finish with two RBI's and McKenna would finish with one.
The Lions also received strong contributions from their Pitching Staff on their way to victory. Mason Jewell started the game for the Lions, pitching three innings, allowing only three hits, and surrendering zero runs. Freshman JD Reynolds would come in relief of Jewell, pitching two innings, giving up two unearned runs on just one hit. The efforts of Reynolds would earn him the first win of his college career. To close the game out the Lions turned the ball over to another Freshman, Evan Webb. Webb was impressive in his first appearance, pitching two innings, giving up one hit, no runs, and striking out three batters.
With this dominant win behind the Lions, they will now look forward to playing Trine in double-header action on Friday, March 11. The first game of this series will start at 9:30 Am. For continued coverage of this upcoming game and all other MSJ Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com
