Lions blow out Blue Raiders in game one

April 21, 2023

by Chris Goodrich, Baseball Intern

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Opening up the series against the Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College Blue Raiders, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions take game one by a score of 19-4. The Lions outhit the Blue Raiders fourteen hits to five hits. The Lions are looking to add on tomorrow with the upcoming doubleheader.

The (29-17, 15-10 MSC) Lions put on a huge twelve runs in the bottom of the first inning. To get the first run on the board for the Lions, Zach Sanders hits into a fielder's choice to make the score 2-0 Lions. Sean Rooney comes up to the plate with the bases juiced and walks to bring home the third run to make it 3-0 Lions. After a pitching change, Mason Libla comes up with the bases loaded as well and walks to make the score 4-0 Lions. With Baron Ratliff at the plate, he takes matters into his own hands and hits a grand slam to add to the lead and help the Lions extend their lead 8-0. A few batters later, Adam Smithson hits a double to bring home Christian Presley to make the score 9-0 Lions now. Zach Sanders makes his way back up to the plate in the same inning and adds another RBI to the stat sheet to keep the scoring rolling 10-0 Lions. Sean Rooney comes up to the plate with two runners on base, and he plates both of them home on a single to make the score 12-0 Lions.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Lions look to add on their enormous inning previously. Baron Ratliff leads off the inning with a single. Then, Christian Presley walks to put runners on first and second base for Adam Smithson. Smithson hits into a fielder's choice and loads the bases for Will McCall. With McCall up, he hits into a fielder's choice to add to the 13-0 Lions score.

The Lions add six more runs in the bottom of the third inning to make it 19-0. The (17-23, 9-15 MSC) Blue Raiders scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it the final of 19-4. Alex Huey got the start for the Lions as he pitched three innings allowing two hits, two walks, and striking out six batters. Houston High (1-0) was first in relief for the Lions as he went two innings and only allowed one hit. The former Volunteer State Community College Pioneer picks up his first win as a Freed-Hardeman Lion on the mound. Patrick Cantrell finishes the ballgame pitching two innings, allowing two hits, two walks, and striking out four batters.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, April 22, as they will take on Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders in a doubleheader. The first game begins at 12:00. The Lions will honor our Seniors at 11:30 A.M. for Senior Day.