This past Friday (2/24) and Saturday (2/25), your Lakers traveled to Pippa Passes, KY to take on the Alice Lloyd College Eagles.
In Game 1 on Friday (2/24), the Lakers lost 4-2. The leading hitter for your Lakers was junior Nick Hundley, who recorded a 2-3 game at the plate, as well as an RBI. Freshman Noah McEldowney recorded his first collegiate hit in the game, also reaching base safely twice in the loss. On the mound, freshman Ethan Griffith recorded the loss, going 5 innings and allowing 4 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks. He also recorded 6 strikeouts. Sophomore Shane Koedyker pitched an inning in relief, allowing 0 runs while walking 1 and striking out 1.
Game 2 on Friday (2/24), the Lakers rebounded for a 3-2 victory. In the speedy, low-scoring affair, leading hitters for the Lakers were sophomore Cade Meade and freshman Liam Musgrove, who both had 2-3 games at the plate. Junior Nick Hundley led the RBI category, as he recorded 2 in the game. Sophomore Drew Emerson reached base safely three times, recording a 1-2 game at the plate while being walked twice. Cade Meade provided the deciding blow for the Lakers in the top of the 6th inning, as he sent a ball over the left-field fence for a solo home run. Senior Sam Conklin recorded his first collegiate win on the mound for the Lakers, going 6 full innings and striking out 2 hitters, while allowing 1 run (1 earned) on 4 hits and 5 walks. Sophomore Trever Sheets recorded his first collegiate save in his lone inning of work, allowing 1 run (1 earned) on 2 hits and 1 walk.
In Game 3 rubber match on Saturday (2/25), the Lakers and Eagles faced subpar weather conditions. In a scheduled 9-inning affair, it would take 13 innings for one foe to outlast the other, resulting in a 5-3 victory for the Lakers. Top hitters for the Lakers were sophomore Drew Emerson and freshman Liam Musgrove, who had 4 hits and 2 hits, respectively. Sophomore Cade Meade would also reach base twice in a 2 RBI effort. Sophomore Brady Hobert would also record 2 RBI on a go-ahead base knock that put the Lakers up 5-3 in the top of the 13th. Freshman Kaden Davidson would record his first collegiate hit in the game as well. Freshman pitcher Levi Polen would start for the Lakers. He received a no decision while allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and 5 walks. Polen would also strike out 5 hitters. Sophomore Seth Meade came on in relief and was nearly flawless, as he struck out 5 and did not allow a run while surrendering 2 hits and 1 walk. Sophomore Trever Sheets made his second appearance of the weekend, pitching 0.2 innings of scoreless work while allowing a walk. Sophomore Dalton Hodge recorded his first collegiate win, as he came on to slam the door for the Lakers. Hodge pitched 3.1 innings of shutout work, allowing 0 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. The Lakers pitching staff did not allow a run after the second inning.
Capping off an opening weekend series victory, as well as an all-around team win on Saturday, the Lakers are looking forward to their home opener this coming Thursday against Trinity International University. The Lakers appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at their home opener! Go Lakers!