(KINGSPORT, Tenn.) – On Thursday, the No. 4 Truett McConnell University baseball team faced No. 1 Tennessee Wesleyan University in an elimination game in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament. The Bear’s late rally proved to not be enough for the Bulldog’s strong offense (3-9). The Bears conclude their season with a new program record in wins with an overall season record of 34-16, 17-10 AAC.
Most notable, Andrew Johnston was named to the AAC All-Conference First Team, Mikal Mascarello was named to the All-Conference Second Team, Tyler Gray was named to the All-Conference Second Team, Caleb Johnson was named to the Champions of Character Team and 16 Bears were seen earning a spot on the All-Academic Team.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bulldogs took an early lead over the Bears, recording six runs on nine hits through five innings (0-6). TMU sparked their momentum in the top of the fifth with a lead-off homerun to right field from Andrew Johnston (1-6). A single from Caleb Williams and Jakob Karvelas moved runners into scoring position, but TMU was unable to capitalize. The Bulldogs were seen adding to their lead recording two runs on one hit in the bottom of the sixth (1-8). TMU quickly responded with a Johnston walk and Jordan Kenty double to right field and moving runners into scoring position once again. A well-executed ball from Williams pushed a run across the plate followed by an Ethan Roberts fielder’s choice to tack on another run (3-8). In the bottom of the eight, the Bulldogs added another run on one hit to seal the Bears’ fate (3-9).
LEADERS
Williams led the way offensively, going 2-4 at the plate with one RBI while Tanner Griffith was 1-4. Johnston was seen going 1-3 at the plate with one RBI and two runs while Kenty and Karvelas recorded one hit apiece.
