DUE WEST, S.C. -Lander held off a late-inning rally by Erskine to defeat the Flying Fleet 8-7 in the season-opening game for both teams.
The Bearcats struck first blood in the top of the first when Taichi Nakao drew a bases-loaded two-out walk to score Will McClellan. In the bottom of the second, Erskine used a three-run home run to take their first lead.
Nakao led off the top of the fourth with a single through the left side and stole second. Gary Garrett doubled to right center to score Nakao and make it a one-run game. Garret then advanced to third on a single by Kael Snethen and scored on a sacrifice fly by Oliver Zohn to tie the game at three.
In the top of the fifth, Connor Droze blasted a solo home run to center field to give the Bearcats the lead once again. Chandler Moeller then drew a walk and stole second. Chris Manriquez then blasted a two-run home run to center to make it a 6-3 game. The Bearcats added another run in the sixth to increase their lead to four runs.
The Fleet scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to make it a 7-6 game, but Lander answered with a run in the eighth to push the lead to two runs. Erskine added a run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Bearcats held on for the win.
Droze led the Bearcats at the plate, going 2-4 with a home run, RBI, and walk. Manriquez and Nakao each drove in two runs for Lander.
Luke Johnson (1-0) picked up the win on the mound, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out four. Tyler Overholt (1) picked up the save, allowing one run on four hits and striking out three in three innings of relief.
The two teams will continue their series tomorrow at Dolney Stadium in Greenwood, with the first pitch coming at 4:00 PM.
Keep up to date with your Bearcats, and never miss a moment of the action! Follow Lander athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for continued updates! #cLawsUp
