Bluffton, Ohio—The Mount St. Joseph University Baseball Program traveled north to play HCAC opponent, Bluffton. This double header served as the final outing for the Lions in the 2022 season. The Lions
Game One: MSJ 6 BU 0
The Lions got their offense started early, scoring two runs in the top of the second inning. Anton Mere drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single that scored Jake Sanders. Jake Lawson followed this effort up with an RBI single of his own to take a 2-0 lead. Following a scoreless third inning, Jake Lawson grabbed his second RBI single of the game, scoring Sanders once again.
Leading 3-0 in the top of the eighth, the Mount tacked on an additional two runs. Matt Brankamp found his way home on a wild pitch and Joshua Hagans drove in the second run of the inning with an RBI single. The final run of the game came in the top of the ninth, when Matt Brankamp hit a single that scored Zach McKenna. This saw the game end with a final score of 6-0.
In Jacob Hughes final career start, the lefty earned his third win of the season in shutout fashion. Hughes pitched a complete game, allowing only two hits while striking out nine. Hughes was aided by 6 runs and 18 total hits. Five Lions finished game one with three hits: Lawson, Hagans, McKenna, Sanders and Brankamp. Lawson led the team with two RBI and one run scored, while the pair of McKenna and Brankamp each recorded a double.
Game Two: BU 8 MSJ 5
Game two saw the Lions fall behind early, trailing 8-0 entering the top of the 8 inning. In the the eighth the Lions posted five runs. Carter Owen got it started with a two run home run. Later in the inning Ryan Murray singled and plated Mere and Lawson. To close out the high scoring inning, Hagans doubled to score Murray. However this was the end of the Lions comeback attempt, as they fell by a final score of 8-5.
Murray, Hagans and Owen each finished the game with two hits. Murray and Owen each collected a pair of RBI in the Lions final game of the season. The Mount received a great performance from Brice McGee who threw one and one thirds inning, giving up no hits and striking out two batters.
With this double header behind the Lions, they wrap up their season (15-24). For continued coverage of the Lions post season awards and the release of the 2023 season, continue to follow msjlions.com
