(CLEVELAND) – On Friday, the Truett McConnell University baseball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Kentucky Christian University, inside the TMU Baseball Complex. The Bears gained momentum after falling behind to secure a dominating 16-5 run rule win. TMU improved to a record of 6-7, 1-3 AAC, while the Knights fell to 13-2, 2-2 AAC.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears were the first to hit the board with a leadoff double to center field from Matt Redmond, followed by an Andrew Johnston single to left field (1-0). The Knights retaliated with a homerun to tie up the score and rallied through the third inning (1-2). The Bears did not hesitate and were able to capture the lead, starting with a Redmond single to right field. A Johnston double scored Redmond, followed by a Mikal Mascarello double to score Johnston (3-2). A Will Ingram single and a Tanner Griffith walk loaded the bases, while a Brody Wilson walk scored Mascarello (4-2). A wild pitch and a Kody Bishop single scored Ethan Roberts and Griffith (6-2). In the fourth inning, the Knights were quick to respond with three runs of their own, but proved their final opportunity at the lead (6-5).
In the sixth inning, the Bears secured their win with a stellar offensive performance. Starting off, a Redmond double and a Johnston single scored one run. A walk from Mascarello and an Ingram single loaded the bases, where a sacrifice fly from Griffith scored Johnston. A Griffin Kanelos single to left field scored Mascarello, increasing the score to 9-5. A walk from Cade Kiniry scored Wilson, then another Redmond double scored Bishop and Kanelos. A Johnston walk loaded up the bases for Mascarello, where he hit a grand slam to rounded out the offensive rally for the Bears, securing a 16-5 victory over the Knights.
LEADERS
Redmond led the way offensively, going 4-5 at the plate, tallying four runs and two RBIs. Johnston had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-4 with three runs and three RBIs. Bishop went 3-4 at the plate, tallying one run and one RBI. Mascarello closed it out going 2-3 at the plate, contributing three runs and five RBIs.
Pitcher Cason Brown threw a full 7.0 innings and secured his second win of the season. Brown recorded five strikeouts on the day and had one walk.
UP NEXT
The Bears will remain inside the TMU Baseball Complex on Saturday, Feb. 26, for a double-header to close the AAC series against Kentucky Christian University. Game one is set for 12:00 p.m.
