Tough Doubleheader Day for Eagles Against Union
David Finney
Waleska, GA - After having a successful outing against Union in the first game of the three game series on Friday evening, the Eagles would struggle to get runs in both of the games on Saturday. In addition, several errors caused some innings to be extended and a few costly pitches gave up runs that normally do not happen, The combination of the all three just made it tough for the Eagles to secure the two wins on Saturday.
Game One
Andrew Herbert would get the start in game one in had a pretty good day pitching 4.2 innings and striking out 6 Bulldog batters. He ended up giving up six runs with four coming off of a first-inning grand slam. Parker Miller would come in to relieve Herbert in the fifth inning and he would finish out the game. Miller had 3 strikeouts and only gave up two hits in his innings. He had a solid game relieving Herbert and giving the Eagles a chance to catch Union.
Tucker Zdunich and Nick Sanders both had a good game at the plate. Zdunich had the highlight of the afternoon cranking a home run over the right-center wall and giving the Eagles some hope in the comeback. Zdunich went 2 for 3 in the game and Sanders went 3 for 5 with two doubles to lead the Eagles. Reinhardt had a few chances to put some runs on the board to possibly tie the game or take the lead, but they ended up leaving a few people on base. The final for game one would go to the Bulldogs 8-5.
Game Two
Ethan Foley would get the start in game three of the series and he would have a really good day as well. He was able to strike out 5 batters and he only allowed 5 total hits in the full seven-inning game. He had a pitch that he would like to get back from the lead-off batter in the second inning who hit a deep shot over the left-field wall. The home run put the Bulldogs up 1-0, but they were not finished getting runs in the second inning. This should have been the only run the Eagles would give up, however, the inning ended up being extended on an error by the Eagles' defense. A bobble in the infield and a wide throw to first allowed the runner to make it to first and advance to second. The routine hit to the infield should have been the final out of the inning, but it was not made and the Bulldogs went on to score another two runs making the score 3-0 after the second inning.
The offense could never really get going against decent Union pitching. The Bulldogs pitcher was able to go the complete seven innings and Reinhardt had trouble figuring him out. Albert Mora did go 2 for 3 in the game to lead the Eagles in hitting and Nick Sanders had another double in this game. Sanders was making really good contact with the ball in both games.
The only run the Eagles could get in the second game was when Sanders scored on a wild pitch. He originally got on second base from an inning lead-off double. A couple of wild pitches by the Bulldogs allowed Sanders to make it to third and eventually home. The runs were really tough to come by in this final game, however, the Eagles did have their chances. Foley on the mound had the Bulldog hitters guessing and had another solid game minus the home run in the second inning. The final score and series would go to the visiting Bulldogs of Union.
Look for the Eagles to clear this up and get ready for Middle Georgia who will be visiting Reinhardt on Tuesday for a one-game match-up. After the Middle Georgia game, the Eagles will be hosting conference leader, Tennessee Wesleyan, for a weekend series on Friday and Saturday.