CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 30, 2023) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team hosted Toccoa Falls College inside the TMU Baseball complex for a non-conference match-up. The Bears collected 14 runs to shut down the Screaming Eagles (14-7), featuring three home runs. TMU rises to a record of 3-1, while the Eagles fall 0-1. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY 
In the first inning, the TFC took an early lead with a two-run homerun (0-2). TMU responded with a double from Tanner Griffith, followed by a homerun from Andrew Johnston (2-2). The Screaming Eagles continued to add to their lead with hits across multiple innings (2-5), but in the bottom of the fourth, a homerun from Caleb Gentry paired with a Matthew Redmond double kept the Bears in the game (4-5). In the bottom of the fifth, a Gentry single and Redmond walk put runners in scoring position, followed by a single from Griffith and Johnston to put the Bears on top (7-5). TMU was capable of capitalizing on a sacrifice fly from Griffith, while Johnston had other plans in mind as he sent his second homerun of the evening over the right field fence(9-5). TFC saw the last of their runs in the top of the eighth. TMU did not let up as they responded with multiple hits from Gentry, Johnston and Mikal Mascarello to ultimately secure a 14-7 victory over the Screaming Eagles.

LEADERS
Johnston led the way offensively, going 5-6 at the plate with eight RBIs and two runs. Gentry followed, going 3-6 at the plate while tallying three runs and two RBIs. Griffith was seen going 2-4 at the plate with three runs and two RBIs, while Mascarello was 2-5 with one RBI.

Pitcher Marshall Hongkham collected his first win of the season, recording three strikeouts and only allowing two hits over two innings. 

UP NEXT
The Bears remain in the TMU Baseball Complex for a non-conference series against Florida Palms University on Friday, February 3. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.