Baseball gains split against Brunswick College

Baseball gains split against Brunswick College

In game one on Tuesday, the Lakers suffered an 8-3 defeat to the Brunswick Community College Dolphins. The Lakers got off to a quick start when they scored two runs in the top of the first inning. Freshman Cody Pittenger started the game off with a single and then stole second base. Garrett Sierra then brought him home with a run scoring single. Later in the inning, Levi Jones doubled home Sierra. The Dolphins answered with a run of their own on a triple and a single in the bottom half. The score stood until the bottom of the third inning when the Dolphins scored three more runs to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Lakers did add another run in the top of the fifth inning. Brandon Harlan singled and was sacrificed to second on a bunt by Pittenger. Sierra then delivered again with a run scoring single. In the game, the Lakers totaled nine hits with Levi Jones contributing three hits to Sierra's two hits and two RBI's. Kyle Tucker started and took the loss as he surrendered four earned runs in four innings of work. Rob Kalinowski pitched two innings of relief allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out one batter.

In the nightcap, the Lakers again struck first as they scored two runs in the top of the first inning. Cody Pittenger led off with a triple which was followed by a Garrett Sierra walk. Later in the inning, Levi Jones doubled them both home to give Lakeland a 2-0 lead. The Dolphins would tie it up with single runs in the first and second innings. The Lakers then jumped back ahead in the third inning when Sierra led off with a single that was followed by a walk to Spencer Schultz. Later in the inning, Adam Samuels singled to load the bases. Kyle Espinelli then delivered a two RBI single to push the Lakers lead back to two. Brunswick would not quit though as they scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to take the lead 5-4. Lakeland then struck for four runs in the top of the seventh to take a commanding 8-5 lead. The inning started with Pittenger being hit by a pitch. The Lakers then grouped some hits together as Sierra, Jones, and Jack Shepherd all singled while Sierra and Mitchell Dragon drew walks. On the mound Hudson Widrig took a no decision as he worked 5.2 innings allowing five runs (four earned) while scattering 10 hits and three strike outs. Anthony Miller came in and pitched to one batter in the sixth getting him to fly out to right. That was enough for the win. Levi Jones pitched the seventh and allowed one run while picking up the save and giving the Lakers an 8-6 victory.