Lions fall in high scoring affair with Crusaders
The Mars Hill baseball team (10-17) was defeated by Belmont Abbey (13-12) by a score of 15-12 Tuesday afternoon in non-conference play.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill baseball team (10-17) was defeated by Belmont Abbey (13-12) by a score of 15-12 Tuesday afternoon in non-conference play.
The Crusaders used two big innings for the win, including the decisive six-run eighth. Trailing 12-9, a pair of two-run singles and bases loaded walks put them up by three.
Belmont Abbey opened the scoring in the top of the second with a solo home run off the bat of Garrett Browder. Mars Hill responded by scoring six in the bottom of the frame. Zach Weaver and Carter Potts both recorded two-run singles while Paul Martin added a RBI single.
In the third, the Crusaders hit their second solo home run of the day. The Lions once again responded in the bottom of the inning as Weaver and Elec Yount both drove home a run with a RBI single. With the bases loaded latter in the inning, Martin was hit by a pitch, scoring Weaver from third.
A massive seven-run fourth inning for the Crusaders tied the contest at nine, highlighted by Connor Powell's grand slam to tie it. A Belmont Abbey error in the bottom of the fourth allowed Trey Putnam to score the go-ahead run, giving the Lions the 10-9 lead.
Jaden James added to Mars Hill's lead with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth.
The Crusaders starting lineup each recorded one hit apiece while Powell led the team with four RBI. Caleb Burr and Todd Velotta added three RBI apiece.
Weaver led all players with three hits and four RBI. Martin, James, Elec Yount, and Alex Naran each recorded two hits apiece.
Danny Glenos struck out the side in the eighth winning, picking up the win. Drew Stegura picked up the save.
The Lions return to South Atlantic Conference play on Friday, March 22 when they face Wingate on the road. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
