GREENVILLE, S.C. (Apr. 13, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team traveled to Bob Jones University on Tuesday afternoon for a midweek nonconference matchup. The Bears recorded their second dominating win over the Bruins (12-3) this season to improve to 21-15, 10-10 AAC on the year, while Bob Jones fell to 4-18.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
TMU got off to a hot start after a leadoff walk by Julian Galassi. Another walk by Josh Johnston allowed Galassi to put the Bears on the board right away in the first (1-0). Four more runs came after an Andrew Johnston double (2-0), a Mason Gaines double (3-0) and a Tanner Griffith single (5-0) to immediately give TMU an early five-run lead. After holding Bob Jones scoreless in the bottom half, the Bears added two more runs in the second after another leadoff Galassi walk. A. Johnston doubled again to drive home Galassi (6-0) and Devyn Munroe singled to score Mikal Macarello (7-0).
 
The Bruins went on to score their first two runs in the bottom of the fourth and added another in the fifth but TMU added one run apiece in the fifth, sixth and seven innings (10-3). Will Ingram's sacrifice fly scored Cason King in the fifth, A. Johnston singled to score Mascarello in the sixth and J. Johnston doubled in the seven to score Galassi. J. Johnston capped off the Bears' scoring with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth (12-3), further proving the game to be out of reach for the Bruins.
 
LEADERS
Overall, TMU recorded a total of 12 hits to Bob Jones' four.  J. Johnston individually led TMU with four RBIs (2-for-5). A. Johnston followed with three RBIs (3-for-6), while Munroe, Gaines and Ingram all added one RBI apiece. 
 
Pitcher John James earned the win after recording three scoreless and hitless innings with four strikeouts. C.J. Thomas also recorded four strikeouts through 4.2 innings. Joshua Merritt tallied two strikeouts after his one inning outing. 
 
UP NEXT
The Bears are back on the road for another Appalachian Athletic Conference weekend series at Bluefield College on Friday, Apr. 16 – Saturday, Apr. 17. TMU returns home Tuesday, Apr. 20, to host Toccoa Falls College at 4:00 p.m.