Location: Auburndale, FL (Lake Mrytle Park)
The Basics:
The Mount (6-3) launched their Russ Matt Invitational this Sunday playing two games against the Ohio Northern Polar Bears (7-3). Both teams achieved six hits in game one, but the Polar Bears would prevail 4-2. Game two's final was 6-5, with the Lions recording 13 hits in the loss.
How it Happened:
Game 1
Sent to the mound for game one was freshman Alex Wagner (West Chester, OH / Lakota West). Wagner went 6 strong innings, allowing 3 earned runs, and striking out 6 although resulting in a loss for the day. The Lions came out the gate hot scoring off an RBI triple from right fielder Nate Hunter (Vevay, IN / Switzerland County). With Hunter standing on third, Ryan Murray (Cincinnati, OH / Colerain) would deliver with a sacrifice fly to right field. The Polar Bears scored two in the bottom of the 2nd inning off two singles. Scoring once more in the 4th and the 5th the Polar Bears would take game one 4-2.
Game 2
Given the nod in game two was Jason Fischer (Cincinnati, OH / Colerain), giving the Lions four strong innings, allowing 3 earned runs off 7 hits. Ohio University started the game off hanging a three spot in the 1st inning, and also plating a run in the top of the 4th. To start the 5th, left handed pitcher Wyatt Myers (Waynesville, OH / Waynesville) came in for relief, and holding the Polar Bears to no runs. The Lions offense got rolling in the 5th after a 2 RBI double to right field from Jose Bustamante (Austell, GA / South Cobb). Murray brought Bustamante home with an RBI single to right center. Murray stole second and would score a run after an RBI single from Simon Schaefer (Cincinnati, OH / St. Xavier). Nathan Renner (Pleasant Prairie, WI / Tremper) came into the 6th, but the Polar Bears would manage 2 more runs. The Mount plated another run in the 7th, after a Garret Hogan (Hamilton, OH / Badin) single through the left side, resulting in a final score of 6-5.
Game Balls:
Murray led the offense with 4 hits, to go along with 2 RBI's, and 2 stolen bases for the day.
Up Next:
The Lions (6-3) have one game tomorrow at 1 PM against Rowan University to continue play in their annual Russ Matt Invitational down in Auburndale, Florida. Make sure to tune into MSJsports.com for all your Lions baseball coverage.