February 18, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — A pitcher's duel in the day's first game was followed by an offensive show in the series finale where the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions split with the University of Mobile (Ala.) Rams. Late runs by guests allowed Mobile to escape Henderson with a 6-5 win.

It was the big bat of Will McCall that got the scoring going for the Lions (9-5) after Trace Anderson led off the bottom of the second inning with a single to left field. Trading places with Baron Ratliff after a fielder's choice, a walk issued to Manuel Claro and a hit basemen in the form of Zach Sanders loaded the bases for McCall. With two outs, McCall (4) sent a missile over the left field fence to clear the bases and put the Lions on top 4-0.

Undeterred, the UM Rams (11-2) answered with a set of long balls of their own including a two-run shot to narrow the gap to a 4-3 lead for the Lions. Christian Presley drew a one-out walk in the home half of the third inning before swiping second base to get into scoring position. Again, doing their damage with two outs, Baron Ratliff eased some of the pressure off the FHU bullpen with an RBI double down the left-field line to give the Lions a 5-3 advantage. 

A solo blast in the top of the fifth inning saw Mobile draw within one run before a set of bases-loaded walks allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to cross for the Rams. The Lion bats were shut down in the final two frames, tallying a lone hit to end the series with a 6-5 loss.

In relief of starter Montana Dickerson, Quin Bennett (1-2) was charged with the loss.

The Lions collected five hits from five different bats with Anthony Jarvis, Will McCall, Christian Presley, Baron Ratliff, and Zach Sanders each earning a base hit.

Up Next

The Lions look to bounce back with their first Mid-South Conference meeting of the campaign by hosting the Georgetown (Ky.) College Tigers on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25, for a three-game set. Friday's nine-inning affair gets started at 5:00 p.m., with Saturday's doubleheader getting underway at 12:00 p.m.