MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (Baseball) – The Shawnee State baseball team surrendered a game-deciding run in the final at-bat, losing 2-1 in the opening game of a doubleheader series with Mount Vernon Nazarene. Game two was higher scoring, as both teams traded runs throughout the game, but Mount Vernon Nazarene came out on top by a final score of 5-4 on Tuesday evening at Cougar Field.
In game one Shawnee State was provided with a strong outing from Tyler Arthur (SO/Morehead, Ky.) who went five innings strong. Arthur finished without giving up a run and allowed only three hits along with a strikeout. In game two Andrew Vanthournout (SO/Bowling Green, Ky.) had 2 RBIs, while JT Boggs (SO/South Shore, Ky.) also added an RBI.
Game One
Both pitchers were dialed in early in this contest, Arthur only allowed two hits through his first three innings of work. SSU threatened in the first frame advancing runners to second, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. After three innings of play, Shawnee State and Mount Vernon Nazarene were deadlocked at zero.
In the waning moments of the game Mount Vernon Nazarene finally pushed the first run of the game across the plate. Shawnee State was quick to answer, as Matt Dvorscak (SO/Whiting, Ind.) hit a sacrifice fly to bring the game even once again. Mount Vernon Nazarene ended the game in their final at-bat with an RBI single.
Game Two
In game two, the Bears opened the scoring on an RBI from Vanthournout scoring Mitchell Lendenski (SR/Loveland, Ohio). The home team responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the first. In inning number two Mount Vernon Nazarene scored two runs to take a 3-1 run lead. Shawnee State grabbed a run in the third on another Vanthournout RBI, after three frames of work, Shawnee State trailed 3-2.
SSU was able to bring the score even in the top of inning four, but Mount Vernon Nazarene reclaimed the lead in their half of the inning. Shawnee State tied the game once again, but in inning number six the decisive run crossed the plate for Mount Vernon, as they defeated the Bears 5-4.
SSU will return to action Friday, starting a three game series against the 25th ranked Lindsey Wilson. The first game is slated for a 6 p.m. start at Egnew Park.
