Four Lee pitchers combined to record two shutouts to lead the Flames to a doubleheader sweep of visiting Emmanuel College. Dustin Lawson and Michael James allowed just two hits in the 1-0 win in game one, while Chevis Hoover and Kyle Briner gave up three hits to win the finale 2-0. The Flames won the first game of the series 10-1 Friday evening.
"I was pleased with how we found ways to win today," said Lee University head coach Mark Brew. "However, our offensive execution wasn't as good as it has been and we gave up way too many outs on the bases. It is early and it's hard to be totally prepared, but our offense has to be better moving forward. It's a good start to our season, but we have lots of room for improvement."
The Flames return to action on Saturday with a doubleheader against LeMoyne-Owen College. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m.
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LEE 2, EMMANUEL 0The Flames and Lions each tallied three hits in the game, but two of Lee's hits led directly to runs. Andres Nelo ripped a home run to right field in the fourth inning and Luke Toms singled in Cameron Scott to add an insurance run in the fifth. Siosi Poti had Lee's other hit of the game.
"We didn't have much offense to speak of, but Nelo had a big swing in the fourth to give us a spark," said Brew.
Hoover was tagged for two hits over six complete innings on his way to earning his first pitching victory of the season. Both hits came in the top of the fifth inning with Lee holding a slim 1-0 lead. Daniel Sheal led off with an infield single and Bo Hardman gave Emmanuel runners at second and third with a double. Hoover staved off the threat by striking out the side to maintain the shutout.
"Chevis Hoover was phenomenal. Pitching out of the second and third, no out situation in the fifth with three consecutive Ks showed me a lot of his competitiveness," said Brew.
Hoover finished the game with 10 strikeouts to go against two walks. Kyle Briner pitched the seventh inning to record the save. He struck out two of the four batters he faced.
Mason Tyler was the tough-luck loser after giving up one earned run, walking one and fanning three in 4 1/3 innings of work.
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LEE 1, EMMANUEL 0First nearly a complete seven innings the scoreboard continued to show 0-0, until Scott delivered a walk-off RBI double with one out in the bottom of the seventh.
Ben Holland began the inning with a walk and moved to second when Chris Adams was hit by a pitch to set the stage for Scott.
"We didn't have a lot to talk about offensively until the seventh," said Brew. "Ben Holland working a walk, going from a 0-2 count, was a huge start before Cam Scott's big swing to win it."
Holland joined Trenton Hill with the only other hits in the day's opening game.
Dustin Lawson started and scattered two hits over six innings before leaving the game with a no decision. He walked one and struck out six.
Michael James faced the minimum and had one strikeout in the seventh. He was the awarded the win as the pitcher of record when the winning run crossed the plate.
"Dustin Lawson was on top of his game today. He was in total control of the game from opening pitch. Michael James did a good job finishing up," added Brew.
Riley Sparks was charged with the loss. He gave up just two hits, walked three and struck out three in six innings.
