BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Dawson Massengale was 3-5 from the dish while driving in five runs in Freed-Hardeman University baseball's Tuesday's non-conference matchup with Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) University Toppers. Despite the heroics, the Lions fell 8-7.
Runs were bunched in the middle of the game with neither the Lions (17-11) nor the Toppers scoring runs in the opening two or closing frames. After BMCU opened the scoring with a string of singles. Massengale's first run production came in the form of a two-run homer in the top of the fourth.
After Blue Mountain Christian (17-11) plated four runs in the bottom of the fourth, a leadoff home run from
Brooks Jones kept the FHU momentum alive. Though the Lions scored the tying run in the seventh inning, the hosts scored what proved to be the winning run in their half of the frame.
Dawson Massengale led the day with three hits and five RBI with
Cam Madding right behind with a 3-5 day. The duo accounted for six of FHU's 11 hits with the remaining five scattered throughout the lineup.
Matthew Riley got the start before a platoon of seven relievers got innings to prep for MSC play. Despite striking out three batters in his 2 1/3 innings,
Zach Seward (1-1) was charged with the loss.Â
Scoring Summary
Bottom 3
The Toppers struck first with three straight singles including one driving in a run. A bases-loaded double play helped the FHU cause, but another run crossed.
FHU 0, BMCU 2
Top 4
After
Cam Madding's leadoff single
Dawson Massengale crushed a homer to left to tie the game. A single and a steal for
Cade Fuller set up
Jordan Carter to drive in a run to give the Lions a lead.
FHU 3, BMCU 2
Bottom 4
A double steal put two runners into scoring position for a two-run single. The Toppers would add two more runs on a single and a double.
FHU 3, BMCU 6
Top 5
Brooks Jones sent the first pitch he saw to the opposite field to lead off with a big fly.
Hunter Ryan singled before Madding's double brought Massengale back to the plate with two runners in scoring position. Massengale landed a single to left to score both runners to tie the game.
FHU 6, BMCU 6
Bottom 6
A two-out single drove in a run to give Blue Mountain Christian the lead.
FHU 6, BMCU 7
Top 7
After an errant throw put Madding on third, Massenagle placed a perfect bunt to drive in his fifth run of the day.
FHU 7, BMCU 7
Bottom 7
A leadoff single paved the way for the go ahead run to cross.
FHU 7, BMCU 8
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Up Next
The second half of the season begins with the Lions hosting the Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands to open league play for a three-game series on March 21-22.
