FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mounties Drop Season-Opener to Walsh, Game Two Rained Out

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Anthony Renz and Jacob Molison each hit round trippers for the Mounties, but it wouldn't be enough as Walsh spoiled Mansfield's season-opener in a 14-6 decision on Friday. Game two of the doubleheader was called after a one hour rain delay.

Mansfield (0-1, 0-0 PSAC) starting pitcher Tommy Alexander allowed a lead-off double to open the game, but retired the next three batters to get out of the inning.
In the bottom half of the frame, Hillson reached on a lead-off single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Eric Schanzenbacher drew a walk before Westyn Baylor drove in Hillson with a RBI single to put runners on the corners. In the next at bat, Renz scored Schanzenbacher with an RBI single through the left side to give Mansfield a 2-0 lead. A double play and fly out ended the inning.

Walsh (5-4, 0-0 GLIAC) opened the third with a triple and plated its first run of the game on a sac fly to right field to cut its deficit to 2-1. In the bottom of the inning, Schanzenbacher hit an 0-2 single into right then moved over to third on a ground out and wild pitch. Renz walked to put runners on first and third but two straight outs ended the threat.

Walsh jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the top of the fourth with six runs on five hits and two errors. The Cavaliers added two more runs in the sixth, starting with Johnny Knight's solo homer.

Schanzenbacher drew another walk and Baylor doubled before Renz blasted the ball over the right field fence to bring the Mountaineer's deficit to 9-5.

The Cavaliers added five more runs in the sixth on four hits and two errors to hold a 14-5 advantage.

In the bottom of the seventh, Molison hit a solo home run over the center field fence to score Mansfield's sixth run of the game.

Joe Tann allowed nine hits while striking out six batters in five innings of work to earn his second victory of the season. Alexander took the loss, allowing three earned runs and striking out three in 3.1 innings.

Molison went 3-for-4 at the plate with a run and RBI. Renz went 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a run with Baylor going 2-for-4 with a run and RBI.

The Mountaineers are back in action tomorrow when they square off against No. 7 Seton Hill at 6 p.m.