YOUNG HARRIS, Georgia – Young Harris College, ranked No. 33 in Division II, scored a single run in the bottom of the seventh inning and turned away a couple of Lee scoring opportunities in handing the Flames (3-1) their first loss of the season on Tuesday evening.
It was the season opener for the Mountain Lions who won the Peach Belt Conference championship last season. They made the single run hold up for the 1-0 victory. The Flames will be in action at Larry Carpenter Stadium on Saturday when they host Saint Leo (Florida) in a three-game series. Saturday's first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Young Harris' winning run came in the seventh. Dahlton Cash doubled to open the inning and John Miller followed with another two-base hit to plate the winning tally.
"We had some opportunities to score in middle innings, but just couldn't get a big hit. It seemed like all our opportunities came with two outs and they were able to make some big pitches or plays to keep us off the board," commented head coach Mark Brew after the loss.
Scoring opportunities for the Flames came in the fourth and fifth innings. Dylan Standifer opened the fourth with a single and Justin Fragale followed with a one-out single, but the Mountain Lions went to the bullpen and Zac Bright got the final two outs to retire the side.
In the fifth, the Flames started a rally when Parker Stahlman was safe on an infield hit. Thomas Zazzaro followed with a one-base knock and Standifer walked to load the bases. Alan Smith grounded out to end the threat. Smith also hit safely in the first inning for Lee's only other hit.
"It was a well-played game both ways and Young Harris has a really good team," explained Coach Brew.
Tyler Fairchild was the Flames starting pitcher and worked five innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four and walking one. Alex Butler came on in the sixth and was charged with the loss. He allowed three hits and the game's only earned run. Lance Hamilton followed with 1.1 innings on the hill and Zazzaro registered a pair of outs in the eighth.
"We pitched extremely well all evening. Tyler (Fairchild) did a tremendous job. (Lance) Hamilton and Zazzaro made some huge pitches to keep the game at 1-0," praised Coach Brew about the work of his pitching staff.
The Mountain Lions used seven pitchers. Cameron Williams was the sixth pitcher in the rotation, hurling 3.1 innings to pick up the win. McLain Harris came on in the seventh and worked two innings, striking out three Flames to register the save.
