Sports News

BASEBALL

The Huntington baseball team kicked off league play with an 8-4 road win over Mount Vernon Nazarene University (11-8, 0-1) Monday afternoon at Cougar Field.

Knotted up 2-2 after seven, the Foresters exploded for four runs in the eighth to surge ahead in convincing fashion. The visitors kept their foot on the accelerator to plate two more runs in the ninth on the way to outscoring their hosts by four in the final two frames for the resounding win.

After a productive first at bat that landed HU a pair of early runs by way of a two-run single by Adrian Perez, setup by a hit batter and two walks, Huntington’s sticks were good for just two hits over the next six innings. Meanwhile, MVNU methodically chipped away at the lead with a run in the third and another in the seventh to draw things even at twos.

Donovan Clark finally sparked the Foresters when he beat out a throw for an infield single to open the eighth. Daniel Lichty crushed a double down the left field line after which Tyler Zimske found a hole in shallow center to drive in Clark for the go ahead at 3-2.

After Jamar Weaver advanced both runners on a sac bunt and Perez was intentionally walked to load the bases, Jake Hansen made the Cougars pay by doubling in all three of his teammates for a 6-2 advantage.

While Mount Vernon would find home twice more, Jamar Weaver covered that with a two-run single in the ninth to make for the four-run difference by game’s end.

Weaver finished with a hit and two RBI as did Perez. Hansen collected three RBI with his double in the eighth. Lichty went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored three times while Clark added two hits and also touched home thrice. When all was said and done, HU registered ten hits on the day to Mount Vernon’s 13.

Mason Shinabery spent the first 6.1 innings on the hill to give up nine hits and two runs, one earned, while striking out six for the no decision. Alex McCutcheon earned the win with his 1.1 innings of relief during which he surrendered one hit, a run and four walks while striking out one.

Tarrin Beachy wrapped things up on the mound for Frame and crew to claim the save. In the last 1.1 innings, the senior hurler gave up three hits and one run while striking out two.

HU (3-12, 1-0) hits the road again tomorrow to face Saint Francis at 3:00 p.m.