Franklin Springs, GA – Southern Wesleyan dropped a heart breaker to the Emmanuel Lions on Saturday evening in a 5-4 final over ten innings.
The Warriors totaled eight hits in the first game of the series with shortstop Clay Porter leading the team with three. Both Marty Grisso and Jarrett Whitley had doubles, and Cam Mitchem picked up his fourth home run of the season. Mitchem had two RBIs. The Warriors walked twice and stole three bases. Grisso led the team with two of the stolen bases with the other one going to Porter.
Nick Vollmert started on the mound and pitched six innings while striking out five batters. Five pitchers came in to pitch in relief. Jaylen Morgan struck out two, and both Jackson Turner and Adrian Abad had solo strikeouts.
Game Vitals
Final: Emmanuel 5, Southern Wesleyan 4
Records: Southern Wesleyan (5-20 / CC 3-10) Emmanuel (14-12 / CC 4-6)
How It Happened
The Lions took the first runs of the game in the bottom of the third inning as a double by Wollin allowed two to come in to score.
However, the Warriors tied the game up in the top of the fourth inning. Clay Porter reached on an error and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Marty Grisso. Cam Mitchem was intentionally walked to put two on and bring Chase Gribble up to bat. Gribble hit a single to left field to advance Mitchem to second and bring Porter in to score. Griffin Pickhardt hit into a fielder's choice that allowed Mitchem to come in to score to tie the game up 2-2.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, a home run by Beall allowed Emmanuel to regain the lead.
Southern Wesleyan fought back in the top of the sixth inning. Clay Porter led off with a single to third base. With one out and Porter at first, Cam Mitchem drilled the ball over the center field wall for a home run that allowed the Warriors to take a 4-3 run advantage.
Emmanuel was not done as they tied the game up in the bottom of the ninth inning to force extra innings. The Lions went on to win the game in the bottom of the 10th inning off a single by Collins. Emmanuel took game one of the series in a 5-4 final score.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will wrap up the series against the Emmanuel Lions on March 17 in a doubleheader beginning at 2pm. They will then travel to Anderson, SC on March 19 to take on the Anderson Trojans. The Warriors will host the King Tornado on March 22-23 for their Homecoming Alumni Series.
