MOREHEAD, KY -- The Morehead State baseball team took a 6-2 lead into the ninth inning, but could not hold on and fell 8-6 to the Lindenwood Lions Friday.
Junior Will Grimmett (1-2) came out of the bullpen for Morehead State (21-17, 6-7 OVC) and took the loss. Sophomore Hunter Porter was a bright spot for the Eagles, coming out of the bullpen as well and throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, with one walk and two strikeouts. Luke Helton started on the mound, throwing six innings while allowing only one run with five strikeouts.
Offensively, the Eagles were led by senior Ryley Preece, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run, a walk and three RBI. Senior Roman Kuntz furnished a noteworthy performance as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Senior Ryan Grabosch also helped out for Morehead State, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a triple and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Eagles got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Preece came across to score the lone run of the inning for Morehead State and get them on the board.
The Lions failed to push any runs across before the Eagles offense got back to their scoring ways the next inning. Morehead State scored three runs, all of them coming on a three-run homer off the bat of Preece, scoring freshman Davis Germann and freshman Hayden Robbins, which brought the Eagles lead to 4-0.
Lindenwood narrowed Morehead State's lead to 4-1 before the Eagles stretched the advantage to 6-1 in the third inning. Morehead State recorded two runs, including one on a solo round-tripper from Kuntz. The Eagles were unable to hold the lead, as Lindenwood scored seven times over the remaining six innings to grab the 8-6 win.
GAME NOTES
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed three runs across.
» Luke Helton put together six innings of two-run ball for Morehead State.
» Morehead State pitchers limited Lindenwood to just 1-for-9 (.111) with runners in scoring position.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 46 Lindenwood hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and six fly balls while striking out nine.
» Preece led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Morehead State looks to even the series tomorrow, with first pitch set for 2:00 PM.
