NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Lee baseball team overcame a nine-run deficit to win a thrilling contest at Trevecca Nazarene, 15-14 in 10 innings on Tuesday evening from the Music City.
"What a wild game. If you stay around the game long enough you see some crazy things. We were short staffed on the pitching side tonight. Not often are you able to overcome an eight run inning," admitted Lee head coach Mark Brew.
The Flames fell behind 5-0 after two and 13-4 after four before coming back from the grave with three runs in the fifth, five in the sixth and two in the eighth before go-ahead for the first time in the game on a Justin Fragale sacrifice fly.
Landon Silver led the offensive charge for the Flames. Silver clubbed a three-run home run in the fourth, doubled home a run in the fifth and drove in his fifth run of the game with a bases-loaded walk in the sixth.
"Our hitters did an excellent job taking advantage of the walks and mistakes to create some big innings with some big hits. Landon Silver had a tremendous night and Justin Fragale had two big RBI's entering the game late," said Brew.
Justen Freeman had two hits and drove in two runs while Alan Smith doubled and scored three runs. Lee's leading hitter, Miguel Pimentel, was held hitless but walked three times and scored each time he reached base. All totaled the Lee offense had 10 hits and drew 13 walks.
"Andrew Franklin gave us some solid innings and Lance Hamilton was lights out for the last three innings," said Brew. Franklin tossed 3.1 innings allowing one run on two hits and struck out three. Hamilton (1-1) earned the victory with three scoreless inning on the mound to finish out the game.
Trevecca jumped out to big leads early thanks to Javier Lopez who finished with four hits, five RBI and scored three runs. Lopez hit a bases loaded tripled in the second inning and hit two RBI singles in the eight-run fourth inning. John O'Dwyer hit a solo home run in the seventh to give the Trojans a 14-12.
Cole Alsup started and worked three scoreless innings allowing just two walks. From there however the Flame bats had their way. Lee Cunningham (0-1) was tagged with the loss as he allowed the go-ahead run in the top of the tenth.
The improbable win moves Lee to 18-21 on the year while the Trojans fall to an even 16-16.
"I'm really proud of the team. It took contributions from everyone to get this win. Now we will focus on West Florida," concluded Brew.
The Flames will travel to Pensacola, Fla. for a three-game weekend set with the No. 5 Argonauts beginning Saturday at 2 p.m.
