Lions fall to Tigers in extras
February 24, 2023
by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director
HENDERSON, Tenn. — Despite utilizing a four-run seventh inning and out-hitting their opponents 14-13, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions fell to the Georgetown (Ky.) College Tigers 10-9 in 10 innings on Saturday at Five Wells Field.
It was a tough start on the mound for the FHU Lions (9-8, 0-3 MSC), when the first Tiger faced drew a four-pitch walk before moving to second via a wild pitch. That runner would later score on an RBI single before a bases-loaded walk spotted the Tigers two runs before the Lions picked up a bat. Drawing the start in the leadoff spot, Christian Presley laid down a bunt and legged out the throw to start off the Lions with a base hit. Back-to-back walks loaded up the bases for Trace Anderson who traded a bruise for an RBI as his hit-by-pitch allowed the first FHU run to score.
The Lions have been lethal with two outs in the 2023 campaign, batting .304 and driving in 41 runs with two outs. They continued that trend when Georgetown (12-2, 3-0 MSC) recorded two quick outs in the bottom of the third inning before Anderson laced a double to right field, scoring on Anthony Jarvis's single up the middle. FHU would take their first lead of the contest when William Kelley's single drove home Jarvis to give FHU the 3-2 advantage.
After GC scored the tying run in the top of the fourth inning, FHU would bounce back after Zach Sanders drew a leadoff walk before swiping second base. After a grounder advanced Sanders to third base, Sean Rooney's sacrifice fly would score Sanders to put the Lions back on top 4-3.
The Tigers would light up the scoreboard with a two-run sixth inning to leapfrog to a 5-4 lead. Freed-Hardeman would capitalize on a pair of errors in the inning after Anderson reached by way of a fielding gaffe before Jarvis singled to left field. Baron Ratliff squared around for a sacrifice bunt, but the throw from the Tiger catcher went sailing over the first baseman's head to allow Anderson to score and set runners on second and third. Presley's single to left field would see Jarvis tap home plate before a sacrifice fly from Sanders scored Ratliff. With Presley standing on first base, Will McCall planted a double just out of reach of the diving centerfielder, seeing Presley streak around the diamond to complete the four-run seventh inning and give the Lions the 9-5 advantage.
That lead was short-lived when the Tigers answered with a four-run eighth inning to tie the game after a two-run homer. With each team scoreless for the ninth inning, Hank Schineller launched a leadoff homer in the top of the 10th inning for the Tigers - his sixth of the three-game series - which would prove the deciding run when the Lions could not answer in the home half of the 10th frame.
Montana Dickerson (0-1) was charged with the loss, the third relief pitcher for FHU. Cam Jennings was a bright spot from the Lion bullpen, tossing 4 2/3 innings in relief, allowing one run while striking out three.
The Lion bats found solid contact in the series finale, with six Lions ending the day with multiple hits. Zach Sanders' 2-3 day saw him drive in a pair of runs, followed by Trace Anderson, Anthony Jarvis, William Kelley, Will McCall, and Christian Presley each tallying two base knocks.
Up Next
The Lions will look to regroup in the first midweek series of the year, hosting the Talladega (Ala.) College Tornadoes on Tuesday, February 28, for a pair of seven-inning games at Five Wells Field.