EMERSON, Ga. (February 5, 2022) – After losing game two of the series against Marian University (1-4), the Truett McConnell University baseball team turned around to win game three 9-4 on Saturday afternoon. TMU now sits at 3-1 on the season, while the Knights are now 1-2.
 
GAME ONE 1-4

The Bears took an early lead in the bottom of the first as Tanner Griffith sparked the inning with a double to the right field corner, and continued to score off an Andrew Johnston RBI single (1-0). Marian evened the score in the top of the third and stole the lead in the top of the fourth (1-2). The Bears stayed aggressive, but were unable to retaliate offensively, ultimately resulting in a final score of 1-4.

LEADERS

Will Ingram led the way going 2-3 at the plate, followed by Johnston who went 1-3 and had one RBI. Griffith and Mikal Mascarello individually went 1-3, while pitcher Caleb Johnson recorded three strikeouts and pitcher Craig Barton recorded five strikeouts.

GAME TWO 9-4

TMU bounced back in game two, gaining momentum in the third inning after Matthew Redmond led the way with a leadoff walk. A misplayed ball put Ethan Roberts on first, while Redmond and Roberts stole third and second to put the Bears in scoring position. Gage Smith worked the count and reached first on a drop third strike, allowing Redmond to score from third (1-1). A ball from Griffith scored Roberts from third and a sacrifice fly from Johnston put TMU up by two (3-1). The inning was topped off with a Mascarello RBI to make the score 4-1.

The Bears continued to stay resilient in the box in the bottom of the fourth inning, where a hit by pitch, walk and Mascarello sacrifice fly gave TMU a heavy lead (7-1). Marian added a run of their own in the top of the fifth, but the bottom saw Redmond score from a misplayed ball hit by Griffith (9-2). The Knights added two more to the board, ultimately not enough as the Bears secured the win and series with a score of 9-4.

LEADERS

Roberts led the way in game two going 1-2 with three runs, while Griffith followed with a single run and three RBIs. Johnston earned one walk and two RBIs, Mascarello had two RBIs and Redmond earned three walks and had four runs.

Griffin Kanelos recorded his first career win after pitching 3.0 innings and tallying four strikeouts, two hits, one run and zero walks. Cade Kiniry recorded two strikeouts, while Dawson Sorrells and C.J. Thomas individually recorded a strikeout of their own.  

UP NEXT
The Bears will look to face Southern Wesleyan University at home on Tuesday, Feb. 8, with game time set for 3:00 p.m.