CLEVELAND, Ga. (Jan. 28, 2019) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team defeated Toccoa Falls College 12-5 for their 2019 season opener at the TMU Soccer Complex on Monday afternoon.

"We had a great start from Cason Brown on the mound and we got off to a great start offensively in the first inning," Head Coach Mike Croley said. "I felt like the team played solid today."

Over the course of five innings, Brown threw a total of only 12 balls, struck out five, allowed four hits and zero runs.

The Bears immediately came out hot scoring eight runs in the first inning. Junior Calob Rowland led the way with his first double of the day first at bat. Nonetheless, three mores doubles by TMU came to follow. Senior Patrick Overstreet doubled to right field while freshman John Michael McRae made his debut with a double to deep right-center. Fellow freshman Mason Gaines also followed suit with a double to left field. In fact, the Bears tallied a total of seven doubles in Monday's season opener.

Most notably, Rowland stepped back up to the plate in the bottom of the first to clear a two-run home run over the right field fence on a 0-0 count.

McRae sent home Josh Johnston in the bottom of the second (9-0) and senior Austin Bishop's double down the left field line sent home Rowland (10-0). Johnston ran home shortly after doubling to deep right-center and stealing third.

Rowland and McRae led going 3-for-4 for the day and Gaines followed going 2-for-4.

Up next, the Bears will host Georgetown College for a series Friday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 2.