Circleville, Ohio—In a last minute engagement, the Mount St. Joseph University Baseball Program traveled to Circleville, Ohio to take on the Trailblazers of Ohio Christan University. This double header served at the first time that the two schools had met in Baseball. The Lions were able to win game one of the double header, before falling 2-0 in game two.
Game One: MSJ 6 OCU 3
In the opening game of the two game series, the Lions found the scoreboard first, in the top of the first inning. Jake Lawson singled to leadoff the game and was brought home by a well hit Ryan Murray double. Murray came around to score thanks to a Joshua Hagans sacrfice fly that moved him to third, allowing a Tyrell Anderson groundout score him from third.
The bottom of the second inning saw the Trailblazers inch closer, plating one run, before both teams remained scoreless until the top of the fifth. With Lawson on first and Murray at the plate, the Centerfielder collected his second RBI double of the afternoon to grow the Lions lead to 3-1. Following a scoreless half inning by Mount pitching staff, the Lions tacked on three insurance runs. The first run was produced by a Zach McKenna RBI triple into deep left field. McKenna was able to score from third on a throwing error by the Trailblazers shortstop and Murray collected his third RBI on a sacrfice fly, giving the Lions a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh and final inning, Ohio Christan plated two runs before being retired by closer Evan Webb.
Several Lions turned in great performances in game one. Lawson continued his hitting tear in game one, going three for three at the plate and scoring two runs. Murray was the focal point of the Lions scoring, with two doubles and three RBI's. The pair of Anderson and McKenna each collected one RBI on the way to the win.
To go along with well timed hitting by the Lions lineup, the Pitching staff was strong. Ryan Caulfied earned his third win of the season, pitching four innings of shutout, no-hit baseball while striking out five batters. Evan Webb would shut the door for the Lions pitching one inning and earning his second save of the season.
Game Two: OCU 2 MSJ 0
The second game of the weekday double header saw the Lions fall in nail-bitting fashion. Freshman Anton Mere collected two hits over three at-bats and one walk, while stealing one base. Third basemen, Andrew Harrison finished the game with one hit and two at-bats and was given a free base pass twice, once by base on balls and getting hit by-pitch the second time.
On the mound in game two, multiple pitcher turned in strong performances. Aidan Post got the starting nod and pitched two innings, allowing two hits and striking out five of the seven batters he faced. Brendan Hosler and Brice McGee each pitched one inning of shutout baseball to keep the Lions in contention for a win.
Baseball will now begin preparation for their weekend double header against HCAC foe, Franklin College. This series will take place on Saturday, April 23 with first pitch of game one set for 12 PM. For continued coverage of this upcoming double header and all other MSJ Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com
