By: Catelyn Radeck Photo by: Stampede Archive
The Buffaloes got off to a strong start, but fell to the St. Andrews (N.C.) Knights 5-4 in the ninth inning on Sunday afternoon at Anglin Field. Even though they were unable to sweep, the Buffs won the series.
The game was scoreless until the fourth inning, when Tyree Jefferies batted in Luke Kirk.
Milligan extended its lead to 3-0 in the seventh inning when Cory McPherson drove in Logan Suggs and Blake Buck. The Knights scored a run in the top of the eighth, but Milligan ended the inning with a double play. The Buffs answered in the bottom of the eighth when Jefferies crossed home plate after Mercurio’s single.
But St. Andrews brought in four runs at the top of the ninth inning, taking a 5-4 lead over the Buffs, who were unable to answer at the bottom of the inning.
On the mound, the loss fell to Justin Johnson as he allowed two earned runs. Jake Watts allowed just four hits and received a no decision in his seven innings of work. Brett Mercurio, Jefferies and McPherson all had outstanding hitting performances. Mercurio and Jefferies both went 3-for-4 at the plate, with one RBI each, while McPherson went 2-for-5.
“I think we played really hard today and played well as a team,” said Watts. “I feel like we gave it 110 percent during this game. I am really disappointed in this loss. But it will give us motivation to do better next time and get a win.”
“I love playing baseball for Milligan. We have a lot of talent on this team and I know we will win the next one,” said Mercurio, who is new to the team.
Milligan moves to 17-18 overall and 7-8 in conference action.
The Buffs return to conference action on April 13-14, as they face the Bulldogs of Union College in Barbourville, Ky.
milliganstampede
