Four-run fourth inning leads to Lion loss

March 10, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — What began as a quick first three innings between the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions and the Thomas More (Ky.) University Saints was erased thanks to a four-run fourth inning by the Saints. The Lions could only muster one run in a 9-1 loss.

FHU (12-10, 2-5 MSC) had a fantastic start after Christian Presley opened the Lions' half of the first inning with a double. After Presley was erased on a fielder's choice, the FHU offense fell silent for the next three frames.

After going through the batting order with one hit, Thomas More (11-9, 4-3 MSC) began to zero in on FHU starter Luis Torres-Lopez, with the Saints blasting two homers in the top of the fourth inning, including a three-run shot to give the Saints a 4-0 lead.

Baron Ratliff (5) tried to spark the FHU offense with a leadoff homer in the top of the fifth inning, but the following three batters were quickly retired to leave the score 4-1 in favor of TMU.

The Saints added three runs in the sixth inning before single runs in the seventh and eighth frames finished the scoring on a 9-1 final.

Luis Torres-Lopez (2-3) tossed five innings in the loss, striking out one while allowing six earns, four of which were earned.

Baron Ratliff led the FHU offense with the Lions' lone run and two hits. Christian Presley, Sean Rooney, and Zach Sanders each tallied singles.

Up Next

The Lions and Saints will meet again on Five Wells Field tomorrow, March 11, with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m.