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The Bruins had a Monday afternoon showdown against the Montreat College Cavaliers which took place at Newell Field in Montreat, North Carolina. Mackenzie Ritter got the nod to start the day for the Bruins, but the Cavaliers bats were too much and the Bruins lost the game 8-2.
"We faced a tough staff of pitchers tonight and very strong Montreat bats, but we never stopped trying to produce," started Head Coach Brent Casteel. "The first pitcher we faced threw 91-92 mph all night with only eight hits against him for the season. We're happy we produced four of those hits tonight!"
In the top of the inning, Riley Ramsey batted leadoff for the Bruins and after working the count, he was able to draw a walk. Unfortunately, it wouldn't amount to anything as the Cavs struck out Evan Walker and Sam Gonzalez hit into a double play to end the top half of the inning. Mackenzie Ritter started on the mound for the Bruins and finished his first inning quickly. The Cavs got their lead batter on first by being hit by a pitch, but a groundout and then a double play ended the inning.
Starting into the second inning, the Bruins got shut out with three straight strikeouts. With zeros still on the board, the Cavs took full advantage and scored the first runs of the game to take a 4-0 lead. In the third inning, the Bruins responded as Cody Kirkpatrick singled to get the Bruins started for the day. Kyle Prouse pinch ran for Kirkpatrick and was able to make it around to third base after Chad Bayne singled. Riley Ramsey was walked to load the bases and then Evan Walker drew a walk as well to score the first run. Sam Gonzalez grounded out to the second baseman, but another run scored and cut the lead down to 4-2. The Bruins then made quick work in the bottom of the inning making sure the Cavs didn't score anymore runs.
The fourth and fifth innings were a struggle for both teams. They made it on base, but couldn't get anyone around the base paths to add to the score. In the sixth inning, Kamden Lance singled to the left field side, but would be left stranded as the Bruins couldn't get anything going offensively. The Cavs once again took advantage of the situation and put four more runs on the board to extend their lead 8-2.
The seventh, eighth, and ninth innings were a continued struggle offensively. The Cavaliers weren't able to produce anymore runs and wouldn't need to bat in the bottom of the ninth as they won 8-2. The Bruins produced two runs off of five hits and struck out five batters to end their day in Montreat.
Up next, the Bruins will have a home series against Covenant College out at Conestee Park. First game of the series is scheduled for Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.
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