Late surge pushes Tigers by Lions

March 26, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — After winning the first game of the series, the Freed-Hardeman University Lions gave up seven runs in the bottom of the sixth innings to fall to the (RV) Campbellsville (Ky.) University Tigers 8-1.

Freed-Hardeman (18-12, 7-7 MSC) began the game with three straight groundouts to the CU shortstop before Sean Rooney led off the top of the second frame with a double down the left field line. After a set of strikeouts, Camden Madding drove home Rooney with a single past the Tigers' second baseman.

Campbellsville (15-13, 8-6 MSC) answered with a two-out walk that was chased by a single down the line in right. A passed ball allowed the tying run to sprint home to knot the game at 1-1.

The Lions would plant runners in scoring position two more times in the game: a double from Zach Sanders before Adam Smithson found his way to second base thanks to a single from Christian Presley after reaching by way of a fielder's choice.

Recognizing runs would come at a premium, the Tigers utilized a slew of pinch runners in the bottom of the sixth inning, paying off with a two-run double before a bases-loaded triple stunned FHU in the middle of a seven-run inning to take the series' second game 8-1.

Colton Huntt (4-3) was charged with the loss, tossing 5 1/3 innings where he struck out three batters while allowing six hits.

FHU spread out five hits across the bats of Anthony Jarvis, Camden Madding, Christian Presley, Sean Rooney, and Zach Sanders.