MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan University baseball was looking to clinch a series win on Senior Day this Saturday, Apr. 19 against the Montreat College Cavaliers after winning game one on Friday. Game one followed nearly the same script as Friday's bout, giving the Buffs the series win. Unfortunately, Milligan was unable to complete the series sweep, falling in game two, leading to a doubleheader split.
In game one, both teams were able to strike for one run in the first inning. Montreat got one run across on two hits in the top half. However, Milligan responded in the bottom half, led off by a Cade Kalehuawehe single to left center. After a stolen base by the courtesy runner, Skyler Saunders, and a single by Brody Melton, Angel Lobo was able to get the tying run across with an RBI sacrifice fly.
Milligan added to their lead in the bottom of the third, as walks by Gaven Jones and Trey Massengill got the ball rolling for the Buffs. After three stolen bases (two by Jones and one by Massengill), Jones was able to cross home plate following a throwing error by Montreat's catcher. Then, Kalehuawehe was able to bring Massengill home on an RBI sacrifice fly to make the score 3-1.
Braxton Baird doubled in the bottom of the fifth to keep the offense rolling for the Buffs. Kalehuawehe proceeded to make the score 4-1, scoring Baird on an RBI single.
After three walks allowed to Tank Hansen, Jack Sutton, and Ty Yurkovich in the bottom of the sixth, all runners advanced on a Jones fielder's choice, scoring Hansen. Sutton proceeded to score on an RBI fielder's choice by Massengill, pushing the score to 6-1.
The Buffs added two more in the bottom of the seventh, started off with a Wyatt Heidle HBP and a Lobo walk. Three steals by the Buffs (two by the courtesy runner Saunders and one by Lobo) led to runners on second and third for the Buffs. A wild pitch proceeded to score Saunders from third. Then, Hansen scored Lobo on an RBI sacrifice fly, making the score 8-1.
While Montreat was able to rally for one run on one hit in the top of the ninth, it was not nearly enough, as the Buffs picking up the series win, earning the victory by a score of 8-2.
Game two looked as if it would play out similarly to game one, as the Buffs offense picked up right where they left off early on. Walks by Baird and Lobo, and a single by Landon Lutterman loaded the bases for Nick Iezzi in the top of the first. He proceeded to drive in Baird on an RBI sacrifice fly, putting the Buffs up 1-0.
Milligan would strike for two more in the bottom of the second, as a 2 RBI Baird double would score both Josh Lail and Massengill, who reached on a walk and error, respectively.
However, the rest of the matchup would be all Cavaliers, as Montreat was able to answer for one run on one hit in the top of the third. The Cavaliers would then have their biggest inning of the weekend in the top of the fifth, scoring three runs on three hits to take the lead 4-3. This would prove to be all they needed to claim the victory, as while they were able to score one more run on two hits in the top of the seventh, this would prove to be only insurance, as Montreat took the victory 5-3.
Milligan's offense was led by Baird on the day, who collected three hits and two RBIs. Kalehuawehe, Lutterman, and Lail each added two hits, and Kalehuawehe also drove in two runs.
Spencer Rife earned the victory in game one, tossing six innings while giving up only one run on four hits and striking out four. Patrick Collins followed him up with a scoreless inning of work, striking out two. Austin Maxey toed the rubber for the final two innings, allowing one run on one hit and fanning two Montreat hitters.
Jacob Bishop took the loss in game two for the Buffs, allowing four runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings pitched. Bishop struck out five Cavaliers in the contest. Cord Babcock proceeded to throw 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball for Milligan, allowing only one hit and striking out two. Creed Werker threw the final inning on the weekend, allowing one run on two hits.
The Milligan baseball team will play its final Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) series this upcoming Thursday and Friday (Apr. 24 & 25) against the Truett McConnell University Bears at Anglin Field. First pitch is set for 5 pm EDT on Thursday evening.
