Eagles Earn Unique Split to Open Season

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Pitching was the key as Asbury limited Pikeville to 11 hits in two games on Tuesday afternoon, winning the first 5-2 before darkness called the second tied at 2 after eight innings. 

The Eagles rolled out eight different pitchers, none going longer than three innings in the first two games of the year, striking out Pikeville batters 13 times in the two games.  Gardner Adams (Lexington, Ky.) picked up the win in game one after relieving Josh Thigpen after two innings.  Adams struck out three and faced the minimum six batters.

In game two Greg Bowling got the start and went two innings giving up both runs but only one was earned.  The Eagles committed three errors in the game including two in the first inning.  Cody Christopher and Josh Cummins each pitched three innings allowing only three hits between them. 

Asbury’s bats were cold in their first action of the season, collecting only eight hits in the two games including only two in game two.  The Eagles had to play from behind in game two after two early errors allowed both of Pikeville’s runs.

Matt Ciolek started the top of the second with a double and moved to third on Evan Thomsen’s single.  After a caught stealing and two walks, Brandon Smith worked a one-out walk to force in Ciolek.  The Eagles would leave the bases loaded.

In the fifth it was Smith again causing trouble, working a walk and advancing to third after Zander Gross’ sacrifice and subsequent error allowed him to reach.  With one out Gross stole second and Smith took home leading to Asbury only other run of the game.  Asbury wouldn’t have another runner reach base.

In game one the Eagles started the scoring with three runs in the third.  Three walks loaded the bases before a wild pitch sent Gross home to start the scoring.  Drew Freeman knocked in a run one out later with a ground out and Matt Ciolek laced a double that also scored one. 

Asbury would score two more in the seventh as Tyler Weaver led off with a walk and then moved to third on a double by Danny Olszowy.  Freeman would again knock in a run with a ground out followed by Ciolek who would do the same.  Pikeville would score their two runs in the bottom of the seventh before Brad Williams would close the door to pick up his first save of the season.

The Eagles will travel to Dayton, Tennessee to take part in the Tennessee Valley Invitational hosted by Bryan College on Friday and Saturday.  Asbury will play two games on Friday and two more on Saturday.