The Freed-Hardeman University Lions (12-5, 2-2 MSC) fell to the University of the Cumberlands Patriots (13-5, 3-1 MSC) Friday evening by a score of 11-8.  The series is sure to have huge postseason implications.

The Lions looked to strike in the first inning but were unsuccessful.  Alex Huey got the nod to start for the Lions.  The Patriots scratched across 4 runs in the bottom of the first but Huey was able to get out of the inning while collecting a pair of strikeouts.  The score was 4-0.

In the top of the second, the Lions answered back with 4 runs of their own with RBI hits from Hunter Beecham, Christian Presley, and Sean Rooney.  The Patriots regained the lead with a solo homerun but Huey settled in and got the outs he needed.  The new score was 5-4.  

Beecham tied the game with a solo shot over the centerfield wall.  Huey returned to hold the Patriots and only allowed them to 1 run in the bottom of the third.  The new score was 6-5.

The Lions could not get anything going for them in the fourth.  The Patriots extended their lead with another solo homerun.  The new score was 7-5.  

In the fifth, the Lions went down quietly.  Alex Huey exited after 4 innings pitched, allowing 7 runs on 9 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts.  Wesley Culley entered for relief.  Culley made quick work of the Patriots and collected a pair of strikeouts in his first inning of work.  The score remained 7-5 after the fifth.

The Lions tied the game after a solo moonshot from Kent Rooklin and an RBI single from Presley.  Culley again held the Patriots to no runs in the sixth.  The score was 7-7.

Neither team scored in the seventh and the score remained tied.

The Lions went down 1-2-3 in the eighth.  Culley exited after 3.1 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts.  Connor Creasy entered for relief.  The Patriots were able to scratch 4 runs off of Creasy.  He exited after .1 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and 1 strikeout.  Evan Koob entered for relief.  Koob was able to get the final out.

In the ninth, the Lions tried to claw their way back but could only get 1 run across.  The Lions fell to the Patriots 11-8.  Culley received the loss.

The Lions look to even the series in Game 2 and win the series in Game 3 later today.

Article Written By:

Eli Walker

Student of Sport Administration

FHU

eli.walker@students.fhu.edu