Mercer University
Butler
Four-Run Ninth Lifts Mercer Past Butler, 6-5
5/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Mercer University baseball team rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning, claiming the series opener over Butler, 6-5, on Friday afternoon at Bulldog Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Butler jumped out to a 2-0 advantage with a run in the second and another score in the third, but the Bears would knot the contest at 2-2 with a pair of runs in the fifth. Jackson Ware's two-out double kick-started the rally, before RBI singles by Trey Truitt and Kyle Lewis tied the game.
However, the Bulldogs responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth regain the lead, 3-2, before adding two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth for a 5-2 advantage.
Mercer's offense came to life in the top of the ninth, plating four runs, all with two outs, to win the contest. Jose Hernandez got the rally going with a one-out single, before a single by Truitt and a Matt Meeder walk loaded the bases. Blaise Lezynski singled in a run to pull within two, before Charlie Madden tied the game with a two-run single to left field. Ryan Hagan plated the game-winning run moments later, drawing a bases-loaded walk to hand the Bears a 6-5 advantage.
Taylor Lobus retired all three Butler batters in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory and record his third win of the season.
KEY TO THE GAME
Mercer took care of business in the top of the ninth to complete the rally, as four of the team's 10 hits came in the final frame. The Bears finished the contest with .389 hitting with runners on base.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Lezynski came through with one of the Bears' biggest hits of the afternoon on his way to a 2-for-5 effort at the plate. The senior now has nine multiple-hit performances this season and has drove in a run in three of his past four contests.
COACH GIBSON'S TAKE
"Today showed the toughness our team. Good teams find a way to win games late and we were able to do that. Great hits by Jose Hernandez and Trey Truitt to get us going in the ninth and then Blaise Leyznski and Charlie Madden came through with big run-scoring hits. It was a total team effort in a tough environment, our pitching was good as well so hopefully we can come out and play well tomorrow."
NOTABLES
- Mercer now holds a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series.
- The Bears reached double-figure hits for the 29th time this season, finishing with 10 on the afternoon. They are now 22-7 when reaching the mark.
- Ryan Askew worked his eighth quality start of the season, scattering six hits over six innings of action while surrendering three runs.
- Truitt notched his 23rd multiple-hit performance, finishing 2-for-4 with a pair of runs.
- Madden's game-tying two-run single gives him 14 multiple-RBI contests this season.
RECORDS UPDATE
Mercer improves to 32-19 overall, while Butler moves to 13-34 on the year.
UP NEXT
The Bears continue their three-game series at Butler tomorrow, May 14, with the second game of the series. First pitch at Bulldog Park is set for 1 p.m.
