WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The top two teams in the league put on a show with a doubleheader split with the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions winning the first game against the No. 8 Cumberlands Patriots, 6-3. The Patriots would bounce back to claim the second game, 6-5.
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Game 1
(RV) Freed-Hardeman - 6
#8 Cumberlands - 3
Of the nine combined runs scored in the first game of the day, six came by way of solo homers. The Lions (31-12, 12-2 MSC) got on the board first with
Brooks Jones doubling home
Trace Anderson.
FHU had a two-run lead entering the seventh inning, but
Brennen Gibson's two-run double gave the Lions insurance over the Patriots (37-7, 12-2 MSC) to hold on to claim victory.
The top of the order dealt the damage for the Lions with
Trace Anderson,
Drake Blackwood, and
Brennen Gibson each getting two hits, and each connecting for home runs.
Colton Bryant (7-1) hurled the complete game for the Lions, striking out three Patriots in the process.
Scoring Summary
Top 1
Trace Anderson was hit by the first pitch of the game before
Brooks Jones rallied with a two-out double to get the Lions on the board.
FHU 1, UC 0
Bottom 2
The first of three solo shots went over the fence.
FHU 1, UC 1
Top 3
Anderson struck again with a one-out solo homer before
Drake Blackwood followed with a big fly of his own.
FHU 3, UC 1
Top 5
Brennen Gibson joined the hitting with a two-out solo blast.
FHU 4, UC 1
Bottom 6
Another two-out solo home run pulled the Patriots within two.
FHU 4, UC 2
Top 7
An error in the field extended the inning long enough for Anderson to reach with a single before Gibson doubled home both runners.
FHU 6, UC 2
Bottom 7
The Patriots hoped a solo leadoff homer would spark a rally, but
Colton Bryant recorded the final three outs to get the win.
FHU 6, UC 3
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Game 2
(RV) Freed-Hardeman - 5
#8 Cumberlands - 6
The Lions (31-13, 12-3 MSC) used a fast start to take a four-run lead over the hosts.
Drake Blackwood hat the hot bat, driving in two runs in two innings.
Cumberlands (38-7, 13-2 MSC) had two three-run frames before both bullpens held the opposition scoreless the final four innings.
Hunter McLemore was 3-4 for FHU, while
Drake Blackwood's two base hits drove in two runs.
The two-way hero,
Hunter McLemore got the start of a a no-decision where he tossed 3 2/3 innings and struck out three.
Justin Smarr (0-1) had the loss after three innings of work where he punched out three.
Scoring Summary
Top 1
The big fly continued to be the headline, with
Drake Blackwood hitting a two-out solo shot.
FHU 1, UC 0
Top 2
Hunter McLemore led off the inning with a single before
Chase Eakes connected for an infield single.
Trace Anderson then singled home both runners. Later in the inning, Blackwood had a two-out RBI single.
FHU 4, UC 0
Bottom 3
The Patriots bounced back with a solo homer and a two-run home run.
FHU 4, UC 3
Top 5
McLemore helped the cause with a two-out RBI double.
FHU 5, UC 3
Bottom 5
The final runs of the day came with the Patriots plating three runs on as many hits.
FHU 5, UC 6
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Up Next
The regular season comes to an end on April 24-25 with a visit to Cumberland.
