Weather became a major culprit this past week, as Trinity International came to town. Once scheduled as a four-game series with doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday, forecasted rain caused the Saturday games to be moved to Thursday afternoon.
In Game 1 on Thursday (3/2), the Lakers came out victorious 3-2. Offensively, your Lakers were led in the hits category by junior Nick Hundley, who had a 2-3 game at the plate. Recording RBIs were sophomore Brady Hobert and freshman Jacob Barr; Barr recorded his first collegiate hit and RBI in a pinch-hit situation. Sophomore Drew Emerson scored twice for the Lakers. On the mound, the Lakers were led by a strong start from freshman Daniel Brayton, as he received a no decision across 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed two runs (one earned via solo home run) on three hits and four walks. He also struck out four TIU hitters. To relieve Brayton, sophomore Bryce Keen made his first appearance of the season, also collecting his first win, as he finished off the 6th inning. To close the game and record his first collegiate save and pitching appearance, freshman Gabe Link pitched the top of the 7th, allowing zero hits while walking one and striking out one.
In Game 2 on Thursday (3/2), the Lakers were blanked on the scoreboard, losing 3-0. Junior Hayden Bill led the Lakers with a 2-3 game at the plate. Sophomore Drew Emerson and freshmen Noah McEldowney and Liam Musgrove all had 1-3 games at the plate. Freshman Brandon Hampton recorded his first collegiate hit, coming on to pinch-hit in the latter innings of the game. Sophomore Shane Koedyker recorded his first pitching start of the season, going the distance in the 7-inning contest, allowing three runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks. Koedyker also recorded eight strikeouts during the game.
Due to a few inches of rain falling in Celina on Friday, Sunday's doubleheader contest was altered to a 9-inning game and moved to Nischwitz Stadium at Wright State University in Fairborn, OH. Though it was an early 10:30am start on Sunday (3/5), the Lakers were ready to play. In the rubber match, the Lakers came away victorious with a 2-1 edge over TIU. Freshman Noah McEldowney recorded one of two Lakers hits in the contest, recording an RBI. Junior Nick Hundley recorded the other hit, scoring late in the contest. Freshman Liam Musgrove was able to score as well, he in the first inning, when he drew a walk. Sophomore Seth Meade was dominant on the rubber for the Lakers, going 7.2 innings, allowing just one run (one earned) on three hits and two walks. Meade also struck out eight TIU hitters in his electric performance. He did need some help to get out of the 8th inning, as senior Sam Conklin came on in relief to get the final out in that inning, via a strikeout, stranding the tying run at third base. To close out the game, sophomore Dalton Hodge came on in the 9th inning, recording his first collegiate save while giving up zero hits, allowing one walk, and striking out one hitter.
The Lakers have moved to 4-2 on the season thus far. Upcoming this week, the Lakers will travel to Athletes in Action (Xenia, OH) on Wednesday (3/8) to take on Wilberforce University in a 9-inning contest. Then, on Saturday (3/11) and Sunday (3/12), they will travel to Wilmore, KY to take on Asbury University in a three-game series. Next week, the Lakers return home on Wednesday (3/15) to take on Brescia University. The Lakers appreciate your continued support of Wright State University – Lake Campus Athletics and look forward to seeing you at their next home game. Go Lakers!