Senior right-hander Christian Bokich hurled a sparkling no-hitter for six innings in helping direct the Lee baseball team to a 4-3 non-conference victory over rival Trevecca Nazarene University on Tuesday evening.
 
Bokich entered the contest in the top of the second inning after starter Rob Gustitus struggled in the opening frame and gave up all three Trevecca runs. He walked a pair and allowed three hits, including a two-run single by Michael Brown. Sam Hang also pushed a run across the dish with a one-base hit.
 
The impressive Bokich (2-0) retired the first 13 Trojans he faced before finally issuing a free pass in the sixth inning. Over six innings Bokich struck out eight and walked two. Jay Prior came on for a scoreless eighth. Eric Freeman sealed the deal in the ninth and recorded his second save.
 
"The difference in the game for us was our bullpen. The eight-shutout innings, led by six of them from Bokich, was big to see. Prior continues to throw well and Eric Freeman did a good job nailing down the win. It was a good defensive effort as well (errorless ball)," said coach Mark Brew after posting the victory over the university where he played and coached before coming to Lee.

Playing under much better weather conditions, the Flames battled back from the 3-0 first-inning deficit to improve their record to 22-18 and score their eighth consecutive win over the 15-19 Trojans.
 
The margin was cut to 3-2 in the third inning. Thomas Zazzaro walked and Fernando Ortiz's one-base hit pushed Zazzaro to third. Ortiz stole second and both scored when freshman Justen Freeman delivered a clutch two-RBI hit
 
Two more runs in the fourth inning gave Lee the 4-3 lead. Dalton Ney walked, stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the catcher. He scored on a fielder's choice by Zazzaro. A wild pitch allowed Zazzaro to advance to second and he tallied on a single by Tyler Payne.
 
Payne collected two of Lee's six hits. Miguel Pimentel and Peyton Meeker also hit safely. The Trojans could muster only four hits against the Flames pitching. Trevecca also got solid efforts from Coleman Wood (3.2 innings) and Tyler Koprowski (3.2). Wood gave up four earned runs, while Koprowski only allowed two hits and no earned runs. Ryne Caudle (0.2) also did not allow a score.
 
"Offensively, Trevecca did a good job controlling us at the plate," the skipper added. "We also did a poor job in the running and bunting game. We will need to clean those things up before this weekend at Delta State." The Flames are slated to face the GSC-leading Senators on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's first pitch in the doubleheader is slated for 3 p.m. and a single game on Sunday will also begin at 3 p.m. (weather permitting).