The baseball team played a three-game series over the weekend against the Winthrop University Eagles. The Bucs came out on top, sweeping the series 3-0. This marks the Bucs fifth win in a row, but they have yet to play against a conference team.
The first matchup, the Bucs won with a score of 8-4. Junior pitcher Micah Kaczor (Tampa, Florida) played a great game, striking out 10. Sophomore Jackson Greer (Knoxville, Tennessee) gave the Bucs their first run with a sac fly ball.
The Bucs would unleash more runs soon scored by senior Christian Bailey (Kingsport, Tennessee) and senior Hunter Parker (Chattanooga, Tennessee). The Bucs would hold Winthrop scoreless until the eighth inning. The Bucs would hold on to the lead until the end of the game, only giving up four runs.
The next matchup, the Bucs won 7-3. Senior Ryan Simpler (Lewes, Delaware) threw over 100 pitches in the first six innings of play. Both teams did not score until the third inning, with the Bucs striking first. The Bucs had the bases loaded and gained two runs, leading by 2. The Eagles came back in the half inning and scored three runs.
The Bucs were able to regain the lead in the fifth inning when Aaron Maher (Brentwood, Tennessee) played a bunt and reached base safely with a score of 4-3. Freshman Ben Jackson (Gayton, Georgia) gained two more runs with the bases loaded and two RBI-singles. Maher added an RBI to secure the Bucs with a win and Parker scoring the run.
The final game of the series the Bucs played extremely well with a score of 10-5. Seniors Aaron Maher and Chris Cook (Kingsport, Tennessee) hit home runs in the series finale, adding to their stats and their history as players. This marked the 200th career hit home run for Maher, while Cook gained his 250th. Both seniors have a chance to break the all-time school record with 307.
Bailey also had a great day with team high four RBIs. Maher opened the game with a home run, but the game would go back and forth with the score tied at 2. The Bucs would then gain control after the seventh inning.
“We are currently on a five-game win streak and everyone is excited heading into the next game,” said senior Caleb Longley (Cleveland, Tennessee).
The Bucs matchup against William and Mary at the end of the week.
