COCHRAN, GA – The Emmanuel Baseball team traveled to Cochran, GA this afternoon to take on the Middle Georgia State University Knights in regional play. After six scoreless innings, both teams poured on the runs late with the Lions outdueling the Knights late with a run on a fielder's choice to earn the 6-5 victory. With the win, the Lions improve to 1-2 on the season.
Both teams threatened early, but the contest remained scoreless until the 6
th inning. The Lions struck first in the top of the 6
th.
Davis Roesler got things started with a single through the right side.
Chaz Encarnacion followed that up with a single to 2
nd to put two runners on with one out. After a walk to
Alex Espinoza loaded the bases,
Haidyn McGill drove home two runs on a single to right field to make it 2-0, Lions. In the bottom half of the inning, the Knights tied things up with 2 runs on 2 hits to make it 2-2 heading to the 7
th inning.
Aidan Feather doubled to right center to start off the 7
th inning. After a walk to Roesler, Encarnacion reached on a fielding error to score Feather, advancing Roesler to 3
rd, making it 3-2, Lions. Espinoza followed that up with a single to center field to score Encarnacion and Roesler, pushing the Lions lead to 5-2.
The Knights answered in the bottom of the 8
th, scoring 3 runs on 3 hits to make it 5-5.
The Lions responded in the top of the 9
th.
Nick Madrigal started things off with a single through the left side.
Jackson Harvill came in to pinch run and Roesler followed that up with a single to the left side to advance Harvill to 2
nd. Encarnacion reached on a fielder's choice to score Harvil, giving the Lions a 6-5 lead.
Zach Evans closed out the inning strong on the mound, forcing the Knights into three groundouts to earn the win, 6-5.
At the plate, the Lions outhit the Knights, 11-9.
Davis Roesler went 3-4 on the night with 2 runs scored.
Alex Espinoza went 2-3 at the plate with 2 RBI's, and
Haidyn McGill also collected 2 RBI's.
On the mound,
Brayden Pooler got the start going 2.0 innings and giving up 2 hits, striking out 2 batters.
Blake Altschuler relieved him to throw 2.0 innings, striking out 3 batters.
Matthew Delarber was next, throwing 1.0 inning and striking out a batter.
Zackary Easton relieved him to throw an inning, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and striking out a batter.
Luke Hopper faced 4 batters, walking one before
Jacob Bodkin relieved him to throw .2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 2 hits, walking a batter and striking out one.
Zach Evans closed out the game, throwing 1.2 innings and giving up a hit and a walk.
Next up, the Lions will travel to Belmont, NC to face Belmont Abbey College in conference action for a three-game series beginning on Friday at 4PM and closing with a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 & 3PM.
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.