Warriors walkoff to down Lions on road
The Mars Hill baseball team (3-5) was downed in the bottom of the ninth inning by Southern Wesleyan (3-4) Wednesday afternoon on the road by a score of 6-5.
CENTRAL, S.C. - The Mars Hill baseball team (3-5) was downed in the bottom of the ninth inning by Southern Wesleyan (3-4) Wednesday afternoon on the road by a score of 6-5.
With the game tied at five in the bottom of the ninth, a RBI single by Jarred Jones provided the Warriors the walkoff win, plating DJ Ludwick for the game-winning run.
Mars Hill jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring one run apiece in the first and second innings. Gray McCurry's RBI single into center field scored Devin Mangum in the opening frame. A RBI double from Daniel Vitello doubled the Lions lead in the second.
Southern Wesleyan stormed back in the bottom of the fifth, scoring three runs to take their first lead of the ballgame. Timo Schau knotted the game at two with a two-run single. Jones, with his first RBI of the contest, provided the Warriors their first lead on a fielder's choice.
They later extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth as Devin Patrick doubled to center field, plating Julio Justo. In the top of the seventh inning, Vitello doubled to right field to plate Austin Treadway. Later in the inning, he would steal third and on a throwing error, advance home to tie the game at four entering the bottom of the seventh.
Jones once again regained the Warriors' lead in the bottom of the inning with a RBI single. The resilient Lions' team, with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, were able to tie the game up at five when Jordan Lathe was walked, plating Kameron Reynolds.
Jones led the Warriors with three hits and three RBI on the day, while Vitello paced the Lions' offense, also with three hits and two RBI.
Cameron Howell suffered the loss for Mars Hill, allowing one run on one hit in 1.1 innings pitched. Josh Core earned the victory for Southern Wesleyan, striking out two and allowing one hit in one inning pitched.
Mars Hill opens up their 2019 home scheduled on Saturday, February 16th when they host Charleston at Henderson Field. First game of the doubleheader is slated for a 12 p.m. start.