(CLEVELAND) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team hosted Columbia International University for a non-conference matchup inside the TMU Baseball Complex, where the Bears banded together to secure a 6-2 win over the Rams. TMU rises to a record of 9-5, 0-3 AAC, while the Rams fall to 2-6, 1-2 AAC.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Rams were first on the board recording three hits with a single run in the top of the first (0-1). TMU responded with a lead-off single and stolen base combo from Ethan Roberts, followed by a Mikal Mascarello single to score the Bears first run (1-1). Both teams were even in play until the top of the fourth saw the Rams score their final run of the day and recapture the lead (1-2). The bottom of the fifth was sparked by a Dylan Sargent single to center and Roberts double to right field to tie the game (2-2). Once again, a stolen base from Roberts put TMU in scoring position, seeing a clutch single from Tanner Griffith to give TMU the lead (3-2). The bottom of the sixth saw a Mascarello single to center and a Jake Edwards walk. With runners on, Caleb Gentry capitalized on a defensive error to load the bases followed by a sacrifice fly from Caleb Ramsey to push the fourth run across the plate (4-2). The bottom of the seventh sealed the deal for the Bears where a Griffith walk was paired with a two-run blast from Andrew Johnston, giving TMU a 6-2 victory over the Rams.
LEADERS
Roberts led the way offensively, going 2-4 at the plate with two runs and one RBI, while Johnston was 2-4 with one run and two RBIs. Mascarello was seen going 2-4 at the plate with one run and one RBI. Griffith recorded one run, one RBI and one walk.
Pitcher Jonathan Joiner recorded his first win of the season, recording eight strikeouts over six innings. Pitcher Phillip Braswell made his appearance on the mound with four recorded strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Bears hit the road to Grayson, Ky. on Friday, February 24 for an AAC series against Kentucky Christian University. Game times are TBD.
