GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – The King University baseball team held off a late challenge from Tusculum University Friday afternoon to pick up a 3-2 nonconference win.
THE BASICS:
FINAL SCORE: King 3, Tusculum 2
LOCATION: Pioneer Park; Greeneville, Tenn.
RECORDS: King 11-19; Tusculum 19-15
KING HIGHLIGHTS
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was King who struck first, scoring in the top of the second when Junior Renwick reached on an error by the second baseman, allowing Ethan Hawkins to score, putting the Tornado up 1-0.
- Tusculum would tie the game in the bottom of the inning, using a leadoff walk and an RBI single to knot the score at one.
- After starting the top of the third with a groundout, Conner Hyatt singled through the right side before scoring on a triple to center field courtesy of Preston Steele, pushing King in front 2-1.
- The Tornado would add a run in the top of the seventh, as Renwick and Chase Hilliard led off with consecutive singles before Hyatt hit into a double play, but Renwick was able to score prior to the third out, giving King a 3-1 advantage.
- The Pioneers made a late charge in the bottom of the ninth, scoring a run on two hits, but they would leave the bases loaded, as Ray Berry induced a ground ball to end the game.
FOR THE FOES
- Tyler Ranel was 3-for-5 on the day, with an RBI. He was the only Pioneer to record multiple hits.
- Luke Absher threw the full nine innings, allowing three earned runs with six strikeouts.
OF RECORD
Winning Pitcher: Rhode Kirkland (3-1)
Losing Pitcher: Luke Absher (3-1)
Save: Ray Berry (3)
UP NEXT
- The Tornado and Pioneers will continue their three-game nonconference series Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
