Lions Split HCAC Opening Double-Header at Rose-Hulman

TERRE HAUTE, Indiana - The Mount St. Joseph baseball team hit the road on Saturday, heading to Rose-Hulman to open Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conferenc (HCAC) play. The Lions would split the double-header, winning game one 7-3 before dropping game two 12-6.

In game one of the double-header the Lions sent junior Derek Richter to the hill to start the game, and he was outstanding. The right-hander threw the front 6.0 innings allowing only a single run and four hits, while striking out five in the win. 

The Mount got the scoring started in the top of the second inning, with one-out Jackson Gutzwiller reached on an error and came around to score on an RBI double by Kevin Schaaf. Schaaf would then score on an RBI basehit by Ethan Mason. 

Neither team would score again until Rose scored their first run in the bottom of the 6th inning, they scored one to cut the Lions lead in half. 

Leading 2-1 entering the top of the 7th, the Lions would answer immediately with a five-run outburst. Schaaf led off with his second double of the game, and then an out later Mason walked. Tyler Herbers came off the bench to deliver a pinch-hit basehit into right field to load the bases. Anton Mere then delivered an RBI infield single, an out later Andrew Harrison delivered a two-run single into left. Brennan Martin then laced a two-run single down the right field line to put the Lions ahead 7-1.

Nathan Ysseldyke entered in the bottom of the 7th inning, the freshman was outstanding through his first two innings. He induced a double-play in both the 7th and 8th innings, keeping Rose scoreless. 

In the bottom of the ninth, Rose would load the bases and score a run vs. Ysseldyke. The Lions then called on junior Evan Webb to enter the game with one-out in a save situation. Webb walked the first batter he faced, foricing in a run. He would then retire the next two batters to secure the game for the Lions and earn his second save of the season.

In game two of the double-header the Lions got behind early, would make a late charge to make the game close but eventually fell 12-6.

UP NEXT:
The Lions will not have much time before their next game, as they host Bluffton in another HCAC double-header on Sunday. Those games will begin at 1:00 pm at the University of Cincinnati baseball stadium.