Final Score: Lipscomb: 4, Notre Dame: 8
Location: Nashville, Tenn. - (Ken Dugan Field)
Records: Lipscomb: (1-1), Notre Dame (1-1)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Neither team managed to get anything going in the first three innings, with one hit recorded between the two squads. Each team made several solid defensive plays in the early going, which helped prevent any offensive production.
The Fighting Irish struck first after loading the bases in the top fourth then advancing a runner to score on a wild pitch. Lipscomb limited the damage to just one as Notre Dame stranded three runners.
The Bisons quickly answered, starting with a lead-off walk that sent Caleb Ketchup to first base. The following two batters were hit by a pitch which loaded the bases. Trace Willhoite then roped a double down the third base line, which brought in the three runners on base, giving Lipscomb a 3-1 lead.
Coach Forehand's unit added a run to their lead in the fourth after a well-placed sacrifice bunt by Chaz Bertolani back to the pitcher allowed Will Lee to advance to third. After a Ketchup walk, he'd attempt to steal second. The pick-off attempt allowed Lee to sneak home to increase the Bisons' lead by a run (4-1).
Notre Dame scored seven runs in the seventh inning, which proved to be the difference in game two. Two doubles, several hit batters, and passed balls allowed seven Notre Dame runners to cross home plate, giving the Fighting Irish an 8-4 lead. Lipscomb stopped the bleeding with back-to-back strikeouts, but the high-scoring inning was too much for the Bisons to overcome.
The Bisons were only able to get two runners on base in the final two innings, which resulted in an 8-4 loss in game two of their opening weekend series.
HERD NOTES
- Lipscomb had two hits on the day.
- Despite 15 strikeout, the Bisons pitchers hit eight batters and had six walks.
- Ethan Smith started on the mound for Lipscomb and threw for five innings with four strikeouts and just two hits allowed.
- Trace Willhoite went 1-for-4 on the day with three RBIs.
UP NEXT
The ball clubs will meet at Ken Dugan Field for the series finale tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CT for a winner-take-all game three.