Lions fall victim to potent Grizzly offense

May 16, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — After winning their first game of the NAIA Baseball National Tournament, the No. 2 seed Freed-Hardeman University Lions were on the wrong end of a 21-4 final score at the hands of the No. 1 seed Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies.

The FHU (38-20) bats were held in check until Christian Presley unloaded to record his season's third long ball - this time a two-run blast. Unfortunately for the Lions, the hosting Grizzlies had already plated 10 runs after scoring one run in the first, four in the second, and five in the third.

Georgia Gwinnett (49-5) put up runs in all nine innings, with seven of those having crooked numbers. 

FHU added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning after Zach Sanders led things off with a double to left-center, eventually scoring on Sean Rooney's sacrifice fly.

The Lions utilized a sacrifice fly off of the bat of Camden Madding to score their final run after Adam Smithson led off the bottom of the eight with a single, closing the book on the 21-4 game.

Alex Huey (2-2) got the start for the Lions, eventually bowing out after 2 2/3 innings.

FHU combined for seven hits, with Adam Smithson leading the charge with three base hits, including a double.

Up Next

The Lions will have to sleep without knowing tomorrow's opponent, as they will play the winner of Midway (Ky.) University and Concordia (Neb.) University on Wednesday, May 17, beginning at 2:00 p.m.