CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Campbellsville University baseball team hosted Highway 55 rival Lindsey Wilson at H.I.G. Baseball Field Wednesday evening. The Tigers finalized the match 7-2 over the Blue Raiders.
The first Lindsey Wilson batter was hit by a pitch to trot to first base. Fellow Lindsey Wilson players grounded out following him, but the Tigers went for the sure out at first base which led Lindsey Wilson to bring that run across. Campbellsville was unable to even the score as they were put away in three. With Campbellsville trailing 1-0, the Blue Raiders scored again in the second inning. The second batter of the inning found himself rounding third as his teammate collected an RBI triple.
Luis Lopez was relieved from the mound as
Zack Bromstead came in to play. The Tigers returned to defense again as their attempt at the plate was unsuccessful.
The Tigers worked the count at the plate to place themselves on the diamond with three consecutive walks. With no outs,
Samio Uze approached the plate. Uze singled to left center to bat around
Jeremiah Lebron and
Alex Castaneda. With two outs,
Chad McCann and
Noah Amenta stood on the corner bases when
Jacob White was up to bat. White brought the pitcher to a full count before loading up the bases. After that,
Cameron Castaneda accumulated a 3-2 count and stayed resilient in the box. His patience at the plate allowed him to jog to first and McCann scored. McCann's step on home plate reclaimed Campbellsville the lead. The Blue Raiders opted to switch pitchers which finished the inning.
Campbellsville kept up the intensity as they placed two runners on the bags early. McCann attempted to lay down a bunt, but the Lindsey Wilson first baseman was able to beat Lebron on the throw to third and McCann was called out due to runner's interference. The Tigers went into the dugout with no more runs to aid their score.
Joshua Lambert came in the contest to pitch for Bromstead. Lambert forced three Lindsey batters into put outs by his fellow defenders.
Jorge Gonzalez started off the fifth inning strong as he amassed a single up the middle and a stolen base. Amenta and White followed their teammates toward the base pads to load up the bases as a result of their walks. CameronCastaneda earned an RBI as his walk allowed Gonzalez to cross home. Wild pitches played in Campbellsville's favor as White ran toward home on a passed ball. Campbellsville led by three runs entering the sixth inning.
The sixth inning was quiet for both parties regarding action.
Caleb Thompson stepped on the mound to relieve for
Ryan McFarland in the seventh. A key play was made by
Kale Seitz as his diving play and toss to Thompson kept the runner from earning their base. Thompson forced the other two batters into grounding out to the defensive Tigers. At the plate, White doubled down the right field line.
Eddy Arteaga singled to the left side and White turned up the speed to sprint home.
Campbellsville had another pitching change as
Zion Payne entered the game. Payne gave up no runs and only one hit to close out the top of the inning. Lebron trotted to first after a walk and then increased the momentum as he stole second.
Josiah Clark entered the contest to pinch hit for
Alex Castaneda. Clark's double to the right of center scored Lebron. The Tigers led by five entering the final inning. A high fly ball captured by Seitz left the Blue Raiders with two outs to initiate a comeback. McCann was the Tiger's closer in the last two outs of play. Campbellsville knocked down the next two batters and secured the win 7-2.
Out of the seven pitching changes and 111 total pitches, the Tigers finalized a .622 strike percentage.
Cameron Castaneda and Uze both composed two RBIs. Clark perfect with his only attempt at bat while White and Lebron both completed the night at .500.
The Tigers will return to the field this weekend as they host Shawnee State University in a pivotal series to determine seeding for the Mid-South Conference tournament. The three-game affair will begin on Friday afternoon starting at 5 p.m. ET.
