In their first extra inning game of the season, the Lions fell to the Albemarle Patriots in a nine inning nailbiter. Junior, Ethan Snyder had a controversial night on the mound allowing 7 walks in seven innings, but struck out 15 batters. Thomas Fischer got the ball for the Patriots giving up five hits and six strikeouts.
The Patriots took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning after Snyder allowed two walks followed by two hits. Snyder bounced back with his first two strikeouts of the night to end the threat. Travis Pleasants reached first on a dropped third strike, but the Lions failed to bring in a run.
Snyder threw back-to-back walks in the top of the second inning, but struck out the side to end another Patriots threat. The Lions were able to score a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Two singles from Jack McDonald and Logan Fifer put runners on first and third. A sacrifice fly from Michael Barber cut the Patriots’ lead to 2-1.
The Lions brought in the tying run on a sacrifice fly from Junior, Zion Villines in the bottom of the fifth inning. Senior, Michael Weakley came in to pitch for the Lions in the top of the eighth giving the Patriots two base runners on a single and a fielder’s choice. With one out and runners on second and third, Chris Cook grounded out to Garrett Duerson who threw home to complete the double play at the plate.
Weakley gave up a leadoff single in the top of the ninth inning, bringing in Barber for relief. With one out and a runner on second, a throwing error brought in the lead run for the Patriots.
The Lions were unable to adjust to the umpire’s strike zone in the bottom of the ninth, falling to the Patriots by a score of 3-2. The Lions and Patriots finished the night with six hits each, but a series of walks and errors from Louisa pitchers allowed the Patriots the lead.
The Lions are back in action on Tuesday, April 30 for their second matchup against the Western Albemarle Warriors at Western Albemarle. Let’s Go Lions!
