The Lions struggled both defensively and offensively on Tuesday night against Powhatan, playing just five innings. Virginia Tech commit Brandon Eike dominated the mound for the Indians, pitching five strong innings only allowing two hits on the night. Ethan Snyder got the ball for the Lions, throwing 2.1 innings allowing 3 hits and 3 earned runs.
Eike started the game with three strikeouts in the top of the first inning. Snyder allowed two walks in the bottom of the first inning and the Indians scored their first run of the night on a passed ball. Senior, Garrett Duerson led off the top of the second inning with a single followed by a fly out from Michael Barber for the first out. Zion Villines recorded the second out of the inning on a hard hit ball to the right fielder. Garrett Duerson failed to tag up on the play and the inning was over. The first three batters for the Indians in the bottom of the second made it on base after two singles and an error. Snyder gave up a walk to Caleb Kersey bringing in the second run for the Indians. Tymothy Hart struck out swinging for the first out of the inning, but an error from first baseman Michael Weakley would allow three more runs to score giving the Indians a 5-0 lead over the Lions. Snyder would then record two more strikeouts to end the Indians’ threat.
The Lions started the top of the third with two walks, but Eike would record three quick outs to end the inning. With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, Kersey singled to left field scoring two more runs for the Indians. The Indians scored seven runs in the bottom of the third after three walks and a series of walks and errors. “There are ups and downs to it,” said Snyder. “It hurts when you’re right there. It was a couple of defensive mistakes. We couldn’t hit that first pitcher.” Offensively, the Lions struggled to hit the ball, allowing only five base runners on the night, only two of those off of hits. Brandon Eike threw 5 solid innings, striking out 8 Lions and allowing just two hits.
“We didn’t do three phases of the game very well again,” said Fisher. “We didn’t pitch well, we didn’t play good defense. We’ve got to play better.” The Lions are set to face Monticello on Thursday night, hoping to secure a win. “We know we’re not this bad,” said Fisher. “But we’re playing like we’re this bad right now.” The Lions are hoping to turn the season around while playing in a tournament at Myrtle Beach during spring break. Let’s go Lions.
