Pitching continued to be the name of the game for the Lee baseball team on Friday afternoon as the Flames opened Gulf South Conference play with a 2-0 victory over Union University at Olympic Field.
Lefty Trent Hill (3-0) hurled eight strong innings and right-hander Kyle Briner came on in the ninth to gain his third save of the season. Marty Coursey was charged with the pitching loss, although he scattered seven hits over 7 2/3 innings.
Hill surrendered three hits, struck out seven and issued two walks. Briner was perfect in the ninth, fanning two Bulldog hitters. Coursey struck out four and walked three. Both Lee runs were earned.Â
"Once again our pitching led the way," noted coach Mark Brew after his Flames improved to 7-0 overall. "Hill was phenomenal and Briner continues to be able to close the door for us in the ninth. We need our pitching to continue leading the way until our hitters find the consistency we will need throughout the season."
The Flames scored both runs in the bottom of the third inning. Andres Nelo tripled down the right-field line to get the rally started. With one out Luke Toms doubled to left, scoring Nelo. Toms later crossed home on a wild pitch.Â
Nelo, Hill and Toms were the only Flames with two hits. Siosi Poti, Nelo and MJ Brown picked up the other one-base knocks. Toms not only scored a run but was credited with the game's only RBI.
"Defensively, it was one of our better performances today," said coach Brew of his team's errorless performance. "Offensively, I thought Toms had a very good day at the plate,"
Caleb Warnimont, Chaz Wilson and Jim Martin had Union's only hits, all singles.
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The Flames will return to Olympic Field on Saturday afternoon for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. "Tomorrow is a big day. We have a chance to capture the first GSC series of the season, but it will be tough. Union will throw its best pitcher and we need (Dustin) Lawson and (Chevis) Hoover to continue providing quality efforts on the mound," concluded coach Brew
