Lions Defeat V-Hawks in Double-Header

HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Viterbo University Baseball team dropped a pair of games in a double-header at #25 Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) on Saturday, 0-8, and 4-10. The V-Hawks fall to 0-4 on the year while the Lions improve to 4-0.

The first two innings went by quickly, with each team recording only one hit, though the Lions hit was a solo home run to get on the board. They extended that lead by scoring on a double and a wild pitch in the third, then blew the game open in the sixth with five runs on four hits. The V-Hawks had one managed one base-runner the next inning, but could not score, and the seven-inning game ended 8-0.

Gavin Daniel and Spencer Hans each had a hit for the V-Hawks, while seven Lions recorded a hit. Joe Nelan (L, 0-1) recorded the loss, allowing four hits over 3.2 innings, while Houston High (W, 1-0) had two strikeouts in his win.

Jerrod Gurden doubled to left center in the top of the first to bring in Hans, but FDU responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame. An RBI ground out gave them the lead in the second, but Cody Wells' RBI single in the third evened the score in the third. Freed-Hardeman used two RBI singles in the fifth to take back advantage, and although Ryan Mesa brought in Wells to score in the sixth, the Lions scored three in the bottom and three in the seventh to take control and win. Camden Smith was hit by a pitch in the top of the ninth, which brought n Mesa to bring the final score to 10-4.

Wells went 2-for-4 at the plate, while Gurden also added a pair of hits. Trace Anderson went 3-of4 for the Lions. Adam Olson (L, 0-1) had one strikeout over 4.2 innings, and Jackson Fitzwilson (W, 1-0) earned the win, being one of five FDU pitchers.

The V-Hawks return to action on Friday, February 9 for a series at Ottawa University (Kans.).