By Kat Frazier
Staff Writer
The Bryan Lions defeated the Truett-McConnell College (Cleveland, Ga.) Bears 9-1 Friday night in their conference opener. The Lions are now 8-9 overall, 1-0 in the AAC.
The Lions showed they meant business by scoring four runs – including homeruns by Sophomore designated hitter Hunter Tipton and sophomore first baseman Justin Morhardt – in the first inning, four runs – including a homerun by sophomore right fielder Preston King – in the second, and another in the fifth. The Bears’ only run came in the ninth inning.
Tipton led with three RBIs, one hit, and two runs. King had three RBIs, one hit, and one run. Morhardt finished with two RBIs, one hit, and one run. Junior center fielder Kevin Roberts recorded one RBI and one run. Sophomore second baseman Cody Rhinehart led the team with three hits. Senior catcher Tyler Latham and sophomore left fielder Crandon Wallace each had two hits. Senior shortstop Grant Zawadzki finished with two runs. Junior pinch runner John Cain and junior third baseman Joey Underwood had one run each.
Sophomore pitcher L.J. Rowden pitched all nine innings and gave up three hits and one run. Rowden also struck out nine batters.
The Lions play the Bears again in a double header Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 1p.m.
