In a surprise home weekend, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions hosted the No. 11 Missouri Baptist University Spartans. In the first day of a four-game set the Lions got a walkoff win, 2-1, thanks to Drake Blackwood’s solo homer. A big inning from the guests saw the Lions fall, 9-1, in game two.
Game 1
#11 Missouri Baptist – 1
(RV) Freed-Hardeman – 2
The first game of the day was a pitcher’s duel with only three runs crossing. FHU (14-4) scored the first run of the day with a pair of two-out hits in the first inning. Missouri Baptist tied the game with a run in the top of the third.
After three scoreless frames, Drake Blackwood walked off the Spartans (9-4) with a leadoff solo homer.
The Lions mustered three hits with Blackwood being joined by Brooks Jones and Hunter Ryan.
Hunter McLemore got the start where he threw 5 2/3 innings before Colton Bryant (2-1) got the victory in 1 1/3 innings of relief.
Game 2
#11 Missouri Baptist – 9
(RV) Freed-Hardeman – 1
In the second game, the Lions (14-5) tied the game with a double steal in the second inning before the Spartans plated four runs in the fifth inning before scoring one in each of the last four innings.
Missouri Baptist (10-4) was locked in, connecting for 14 hits, six of which went for extra bases.
Drake Blackwood led FHU’s hitters with two of the Lions’ five base knocks.
Jackson Fitzwilson (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season, though he struck out two in five complete innings.
