WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Despite leading by as many as four runs, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions were overcome in the final three innings by the No. 8 University of the Cumberlands Patriots in the first game of the weekend.
The first three innings went to Freed-Hareman (30-12, 11-2 MSC) with the Lions scoring four runs, including a two-run single from
Hunter McLemore in the top of the second.
The Patriots (37-6, 12-1 MSC) began the comeback with a three-run third inning before putting up big numbers in the late innings. A four-run frame was followed by a two-run seventh, and a three-run eighth.
Brennen Gibson and
JJ Pruneau led FHU's offense with both tallying three base hits.
Hunter McLemore was right behind with two hits.
Jackson Fitzwilson had the start, going 3 1/3 innings before giving way to
Joe Romines (3-2), who was charged with the loss after 2 2/3 innings.
Scoring Summary
Top 2
JJ Pruneau led off the inning with a single before
Hunter Ryan and
Chase Eakes drew back-to-back walks to load the bases.
Hunter McLemore drove a pair of runs in with a single, while
Trace Anderson doubled home one run.
FHU 3, UC 0
Top 3
With
Brooks Jones drawing a one-out walk,
Alejandro Diaz singled to right to plate the Lions' fourth run of the day.
FHU 4, UC 0
Bottom 3
A two-run blast and a two-out RBI single pulled the Patriots within one.
FHU 4, UC 3
Top 4
Eakes led off the frame with a single before swiping second.
Brennen Gibson's single drove in Eakes to extend FHU's lead.
FHU 5, UC 3
Bottom 4
An RBI triple narrowed the lead by one run.
FHU 5, UC 4
Bottom 6
The Patriots smacked two homers to take the lead. A leadoff shot, and later a three-run blast.
FHU 5, UC 8
Top 7
JJ Pruneau connected for a two-out single that plated Gibson.
FHU 6, UC 8
Bottom 7
Cumberlands added two more runs thanks to an RBI single and a bases-loaded walk.
FHU 6, UC 10
Bottom 8
An error helped two runs cross before an RBI single put a third on the board.
FHU 6, UC 13
Top 9
A leadoff single by
Drake Blackwood was followed by an RBI double by Jones. Later, Eakes drove home a run with a sacrifice fly before the final out was recorded.
FHU 8, UC 13
