Phoenix Complete Sweep Over Cougars

(Lebanon, TN)-- The Cleary Cougars baseball team took on Cumberland University today in a doubleheader. The early season struggles would continue as they would drop both games to the Phoenix. 

In Game 1:  This game would get off to a slow start as both teams would be denied of runs in the first 2 innings. The Cougars would strike first off a Ben Cerven single to the left side of the field scoring Gavin Kempainen and Zach Agemak in the top of the 3rd. It wouldn't take long for the Phoenix to strike back as they would go on to score 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 4-2 lead. From there the Cougar offense would get shut down and the Phoenix would continue to add on runs. They would score 2 runs in the 4th inning and 3 runs in the 5th inning to take a commanding 9-2 lead that would stay as the final score. 

Will Roberts would suffer his first loss of the season on the mound going 3.2 innings allowing 6 runs (4 earned). Aiden Mindel would make his season debut in this game going 1.1 innings while only allowing 1 hit. 

In Game 2: Cumberland University would strike fast in the bottom of the 1st inning scoring 4 runs on 5 hits to give them a commanding 4-0 lead. The Cougars would gain one back in the 2nd inning when Marcel Garcia singled scoring Spencer Jamieson. The Phoenix would come back in the bottom half of the 3rd inning scoring two more runs making it a 6-1 ballgame. The Cougars offense would then explode for 6 runs in the 4th inning. Max Tomaszewski would kick it off on a single scoring Spencer Jamieson. Marcel Garcia would then single to left scoring Albert Gonzalez. Ashton Saigh would score on a fielder's choice by the shortstop. Caleb Buda would then come in as a pinch hitter and came up clutch hitting a single and scoring Marcel Garcia. With two outs in the inning, Sam Browne didn't want the scoring to stop as he hit a double, scoring Caleb Buda and Gavin Kempainen. With a 7-6 lead in favor of the Cougars, the Phoenix would not let a home series sweep slip away from their hands. They would go on to score a run in the 5th and 6th innings to take the lead making the final 8-7. 

Jacob Savina got the start on the mound for the Cougars going 3.2 innings pitched allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits. Jeremy Fuchs would be the pitcher charged with the loss after going 2.0 innings and allowing 2 runs. 

The Cougars drop to 2-8 overall on the year. They look to bounce back next weekend when they take on Lindsey Wilson College in a four-game series starting on Friday, March 8. First pitch is set for 3:00 PM.