CLEVELAND, Tenn.-Lee University pounded out four doubles and a homerun in the first inning and never looked back in an overpowering 15-5 victory over No. 23 University of North Georgia on Tuesday afternoon at Larry Carpenter Stadium. The non-conference win improved the Flames record to 19-8. They will return to Gulf South Conference action this weekend, hosting Christian Brothers University in a three-game series.
After scoring seven runs in the first, Lee finished the game with a season high 21 hits, including six two-base hits, a triple and three homeruns. Brandon Daniels enjoyed another big day at the dish with a double, single and a three-run homer. He also walked in a run to cap off a six RBI performance.
Dylan Standifer continued to swing a hot bat. He was 3-for-4 with a single, two-base hit and a homerun. He collected two runs batted in and scored four times. JJ Williams joined Daniels and Standifer in the three-hit category. He doubled and stroked a pair of singles plus crossing the plate twice.
Matthew Batts ripped a two-run homer in the first inning. He also had a one-base hit. Brantley Cutler joined in the fun in the first inning with his double as did Riley Black. Both posted RBI in the first frame. Luke Collier and Gavin Baxter had two hits apiece. Collier was credited with a double while Baxter scored twice. Cam Suto got his name in the book with a triple, RBI and run scored.
The Lee pitching held the Nighthawks to only five hits. Three of the hits and two of the runs came in the last two innings. However, Lee pitchers walked 10 North Georgia batters and hit a pair. Riley Frost was the only Nighthawk with two hits. He also had two RBI.
Frankie Volkers started and pitched the first four innings. He gave up one hit and two earned runs. He issued six free passes and struck out three. Cole Matthaidess (1-0) gave the Flames two solid innings of one-hit ball, walking one and fanning two and was credited with the win. Ty Cobb was solid for a frame and Hunter Lane came on to close the deal. Over two innings he allowed three hits and an earned run.
The Nighthawks used five pitchers. Matthew Heard (2-2) was the starting and losing hurler. He surrendered 10 hits and eight earned runs.
Coach Mark Brew's Thoughts:
"It was a great mid-week win against a really good North Georgia team. Our offense really showed up today and we continue to play good defense. Matthaidess, Cobb and Lane did excellent jobs out of the pen, but we had way too many freebies from the mound.
"We will turn our focus towards Christian Brothers this weekend. They are a very good team and we will need to be ready all weekend."
