Tigers fall short against rival Rhodes on senior day

Story by student-athlete Ryan Tillman

SEWANEE, Tenn. (April 8, 2017) - After honoring all five seniors, the Sewanee baseball team could not hold off Southern Athletic Association (SAA) rival Rhodes as the visiting Lynx swept a doubleheader at historic Montgomery Field, Saturday.

Game One: Rhodes 4, Sewanee 2

Starter Drew Mancuso displayed another strong performance on the mound, throwing 7.1 innings of five-hit ball. A string of singles late in the sixth led to a three spot on the scoreboard for the Lynx.  Mancuso ended with three strikeouts, two walks, and three earned. 

Memphis native Max Murray led the Tigers in the hit column by notching two singles. Mancuso also contributed with a double late in the game, however, the Tigers could not cash in the opportunity to score the runner from second. 

Game Two: Rhodes 12, Sewanee 5  

Offense headlined the second matchup between the Tigers and the Lynx, as both teams combined for a total of 29 hits and 17 runs. Leadoff hitter Paul Giocomazzi sparked the Lynx, smacking four hits and scoring three runs. Catcher Jacob Telli went a perfect 5-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.

Three of Sewanee's five runs came in the fifth inning, as shortstop Trey Akins doubled down the right field line, scoring Jackson Cooper and Murray. Freshman Chris McNulty then popped a sacrifice fly which scored Mancuso from third. 

The Tigers and Lynx will conclude their series at noon, Sunday.

Notes: The Tigers honored five seniors Saturday; Jared Davenport, Preston Cronk, Tony Dykes, and team captains Cooper and Ryan Poole. All five seniors' numbers were spray painted onto the field in their respective positions. Each student-athlete received a commemorative framed jersey in between games alongside their parents.