Franklin, Indiana—The Mount St. Joseph University Baseball Program traveled west to Franklin Indiana for a Heartland Conference double header. The Lions entered this series ranked ninth in the conference, while the Grizzlies sit a-top of the conference standings, tied with Earlham College. The Lions would find a way to split the series and inch closer to a spot in the post season tournament.
Game One: FC 5 MSJ 4
In game one the long ball was working for both teams, as four of the seven total scoring plays between both teams were long balls. Franklin plated their first score of the game in the bottom of the first inning. The Lions went on to have a huge second inning, as Shortstop Cater Owen crushed a three run home run to take a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the second the Grizzles added one run and repeated the effort in the third and fourth innings.
Going into the top of the fifth and trailing by one, the Lions were able to knot the game up at 4-4. Zach McKenna leadoff the fifth and launched a ball over the left field wall, serving as the final run the Mount produced in game one. In the bottom of the sixth, the Grizzlies plated the go-ahead run and never looked back, as the Lions fell in heartbreaking fashion 5-4.
The Lions were able to battle to keep the game close thanks to the bats of McKenna and Owen. McKenna finished the game with three hits in four at-bats, including his solo home run and crossing the plate twice. Owen finished the game with a team high three RBI thanks to his home run.
Game Two: MSJ 14 FC 4
Following a tightly contested loss, the Lions were able to assemble a great performance in game two. In the top of the second inning the Mount scored three runs. Tyrell Anderson started the inning with a double into right center field, allowing an Andrew Harrsion single to score him. Later in the same inning, Anton Mere collected the second double of the inning for the Mount, that scored two more runs. Franklin chipped away at the lead, scoring one run, before the Lions added two more to their cause. McKenna came to the plate with two runners on and roped a triple into right centerfield.
In the top of the fourth, the Lions took complete control when Joshua Hagans crushed a three run home run. The Mount also added a fourth run in the inning, as Matt Brankamp crossed the plate thanks to a Franklin error. Franklin added one run to their cause in the bottom of the fourth, before getting erased by an RBI bunt by Jake Lawson.
The bottom of the fifth saw Franklin score three runs, but this effort was also matched with a Mount three run inning. Anderson collected his second double of the game and McKenna was able to reach base safely to set up a three run home run off the bat of Carter Owen. In the Mount's final at-bat they would add their 14 run of the game, when McKenna drew an RBI walk.
The trio of Hagans, McKenna and Owen each finished the game with three RBI thanks to their individual home runs. Anderson would finish the game with two hits, both doubles, in three at-bats. This run support aided the pitching staff for the Lions. Aidan Post threw six innings, scattering eight hits and striking out three batters. Brice McGee entered the game in relief and pitched one and two thirds innings of shutout, two-hit baseball. This allowed Ryan Caulfield to finish the game, pitching one inning allowing no hits.
Following this exciting split with Franklin, the Mount now turns their attention to the final game of the Wilmington season series. This game will take place on Wednesday, April 27 at Wilmington. First pitch is scheduled for 4 PM. For continued coverage of this upcoming game and all other MSJ Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com
