Eagles Bounce Back to Split with Martin Methodist
Game 1 | Game 2 | Season Stats
PULASKI, Tenn. – Asbury came back to earn a split on Saturday against Martin Methodist, winning game two 8-1 after losing 2-0 in game one. The Red Hawks took the series 3-1 after sweeping Friday’s games.
After nearly being no-hit in game one the Eagles (5-20) erupted early in game two, scoring four runs in the top of the first to give Logan Howard an early lead. Two errors within the first four batters allowed Casey Messner to reach and score the first run, with a hit by Jared Hahn mixed in.
The big blow came off the bat of Brandon Ray who knocked in three with a bases-loaded-clearing double to right field. Ray followed that up with a two-run single in the seventh. Ray finished 3-5 with 5 RBI. Tyler Messner also knocked in two in the seventh as the Eagles capped the game the way they started with a four spot in the final frame. Andrew Cook and Hahn each had two hits in the game.
Howard picked up his second win of the season (2-5) with a six-inning performance, allowing just four hits and one run. The sophomore walked five and struck out three but was helped out by two double plays.
In the first game the Eagles didn’t get their first hit until two outs in the sixth as Landon Skaggs singled to center to break up the no-no. Despite the lack of offense the Eagles brought the tying run to the plate but a fly out to center ended the game. Isaiah Bell (0-6) allowed only two hits and two runs but the lack of offense kept him winless on the season. He walked five and struck out three.
Martin Methodist (14-8) scored both runs in the fourth. A single followed by a hit batter and a walk loaded the bases with two outs. A single to left let two runs score and that proved to be the difference in the game.
Asbury is scheduled to host Union (Ky.) on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in a doubleheader. They will also host Kentucky State in a doubleheader on Thursday at 11 a.m. before opening KIAC play with a four-game set against No. 6 Point Park on Friday and Saturday.
