Baseball drops tough opener to Eastern Mennonite 6-5
Chase Preite had a pair of hits and drove in a pair in MCLA's loss in the RussMatt Invitational
Auburndale, FL- The MCLA baseball team squandered a slim lead late as they fell to Eastern Mennonite 6-5 in the 2014 season opener for the Trailblazers. The win moves EMU to 8-4 on the season.
The Trailblazers allowed singles runs in each of the first three innings as they fell behind 3-0. Jonathan Estrada and Joe Hall drove in runs while the third scored on a double steal. MCLA would rally in the bottom of the third though plating three runs to tie the score.
Derek Lescarbeau doubled to lead off the inning and came around to score on Chase Preite RBI single. Rory Slattery moved Preite up with a single of his own and both came around to score on Garrett Alibozek's double to left center field.
EMU would regain the lead in the top of the fourth on a Ryan McAlister RBI knock. The Trailblazers would then take their first lead plating two more runs in the bottom of the inning. Cody Weaver came around on an error and Preite plated Alon Willing with the go ahead run with another single.
From there, pitching took over. Neither team would score for three innings until EMU would eventually tie it in the eighth inning. Pinch hitter Kyle Matthews ripped a two out RBI double to tie the game, however MCLA's Nate Alibozek would strand the pinch runner at second base.
The Royals would eventually score the game winner in the ninth though. Adam Posey led off with a bloop double to left field. After being sacrificed to third, he would score on Ryan Hedrick's sac fly to center field. MCLA did place a runner on in the bottom half with one out, but never really threatened.
Posey had three hits for the Royals. He also tossed 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) and striking out 9 Trailblazers. Aaron Hooven was outstanding out of the bullpen tossing 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief while notching 4 strike outs.
Preite led MCLA with two hits as did Rory Slattery. Nate Alibozek absorbed the loss going the final four frames and allowing a pair of runs on three hits. Robert Jutras started on the mound tossing five innings.
MCLA is back in action tomorrow as they battle Becker in a twinbill starting at 9am.