MOBILE, Ala.-Â University of Southern Indiana Baseball grabbed an early lead but went scoreless in the final six innings falling to Lamar University on opening day, 4-2, Friday evening in Mobile, Alabama.
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Friday’s season opener came with a wrinkle as the game was delayed four hours due to inclement weather. Nevertheless, USI came out of the gates swinging, posting a tally in the first off a double from sophomore Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) and a RBI single from senior Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas). The duo of Niehaus and Ebest struck again in the third with back-to-back doubles to give the Eagles the early two run lead.
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Junior Gavin Morris (Brazil, Indiana) overwhelmed the Lamar offense in the first four frames striking out seven batters on just two hits. However, the Cardinals got on the board in the fifth off a two-run homer. Morris handed the ball off to senior Trent Robinson (Louisville, Kentucky) who surrendered two more runs to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead going into the top of the sixth.
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Despite the offensive drought, USI continued to play exceptional defense including a diving play from junior first basemen Thomas Emerich (Ava, Missouri) and a smooth play from junior third basemen Ricardo Van Grieken (Merida, Venezuela).
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In the ninth, Van Grieken got on base to put the tying run up to the plate for three chances. The next three batters went down in order to end the game. The Lamar pitching staff contained the Eagles allowing only three hits in the final six innings.
Morris finished the day tossing four and a third, two earned runs, and eight strikeouts in the no-decision. Freshman Clayton Weisheit (Ferdinand, Indiana) was electric in relief, holding the Cardinals hitless in two innings of shutout work.
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Ebest led the Eagles offensively going three for four with both RBIs. Niehaus added a two for four day with a pair of doubles.
