CLEVELAND, Ga. (March 4, 2023) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference member St. Andrews University for a double-header inside the TMU Baseball Complex, where the Bears game one hot streak (7-5) was unable to carry into game two (1-7). TMU sits at a record of 13-6, 3-4 AAC, while the Knights sit at a record of 7-6, 4-1 AAC.

GAME 1 | 7-5

Both teams were evenly matched until the Bears rally in the bottom of the third saw a Tanner Griffith hit by pitch with smart base running to put him in scoring position. An Andrew Johnston single to center field scored TMU's first run of the day (1-0), while an electric fifth inning was sparked by an Ethan Roberts single, followed by another Griffith hit by pitch and Johnston walk to load the bases. The Bears gained a large advantage after a Mikal Mascarello clutch grand slam to left field to put TMU up 5-0. A Dylan Sargent hit by pitch, Caleb Williams walk and Matthew Redmond hit by pitch once again had bases loaded, while a Roberts walk pushed another run across to extend the Bears lead 6-0. The top of the seventh saw the Knights gather their momentum to score four runs of their own, but was ultimately no match for the Bears offense. The bottom of the eighth saw a Johnston single and Mascarello hit by pitch, followed by a Caleb Ramsey double to score the Bears' final run of the game and secure a victory over the Knights (7-5). 

LEADERS

Johnston led the way offensively, going 2-4 at the plate with one run and one RBI while Roberts was 1-4 at the plate with one run and one RBI. Mascarello was seen going 1-3 at the plate, recording one run and four RBIs. 

Pitcher Tyler Grey recorded two strikeouts over six innings to secure the win, while Jonathon Joiner recorded the save with three strikeouts in two innings. 

GAME 2 | 1-7

Game two saw both teams even in play until the Knights hit the board with two home runs (0-3). The Knights added to their lead in the top of the fifth to raise their score, but TMU responded with an Edwards single and Griffith double. A Johnston walk and Mascarello sacrifice fly pushed TMU's lone run across the board (1-3). The Knights turned around with multiple hits to add to their lead and left the Bears to fall, 1-7.

LEADERS
Griffith led the way offensively, going 1-4 at the plate, while Edwards was 1-3 at the plate with one run. Ramsey recorded one hit individually. 

Pitcher Hank Simmonds recorded three strikeouts over three innings, while Phillip Braswell tallied one strikeout over one inning. 

UP NEXT
The Bears remain in the TMU Baseball Complex tomorrow, Sunday March 5, for the final game of the series. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.