The Bucks picked up one win and one defeat against Lake Area Academy on Monday afternoon.
Motlow will travel this coming weekend to Cleveland, facing Cleveland State in a TCCAA three-game series.
Game 1. Motlow 13 Lake Area Academy 14
Motlow State started the game strong by adding two runs in the first inning, setting the tone early on. The Bucks did not hold onto the lead for long, as Lake Area Academy quickly added nine runs in the top of the second inning.
Both teams battled throughout the game, with Lake Area Academy scoring one run in the third, two in the fifth, and two in the sixth. Motlow State responded with a high seven runs in the third and four runs in the fourth. Despite the solid offensive efforts by the Bucks, Lake Area Academy was in the lead 13-14 at the end of the sixth.
Both teams’ defenses tightened up in the 7th inning, and both teams could not add any runs. The game’s final score was 13-14, with Lake Area Academy taking the win.
Despite the loss, several players performed well. Second baseman Irvin Hernandez went 1-to-3 with two runs in. Center fielder John Hale had two runs and 2 RBIs. CJ Robertson brought in two home runs and batted in 4 runs. Ragan Tomlin and Tucker Allen each had a home run and 2 RBIs.
On the mound, pitcher Caden Alvey had six strikeouts and allowed no home runs.
Game 2. Motlow 11 Lake Area Academy 4
Motlow State took the lead in the first inning, 2-1. After a scoreless second inning, the Bucks sprung ahead by adding four runs in the bottom of the third, but Lake Area Academy responded by adding three more runs in the top of the fourth. Despite Lakewood Academy’s defensive efforts, Motlow added four runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to give the Bucks the win, 4-11.
Right fielder Grant Goodwin contributed significantly to the win; he was 3-for-4 from the plate, scored two runs, and batted in two. Left Fielder Tanner Jones also had a stellar performance, adding two runs and 3 RBIs for the Bucks. Jay Pichardo and Kaleb Gupton each scored two runs, while Luke Johnson, Kaleb Gupton, Jack Fortner, and Alex Killian all contributed one run each.
Pitching was also a contributor to Motlow’s win. Sammy Vander Hill pitched 3.1 innings and had six strikeouts. Mason Bell and Tucker Allen also threw in the last innings and helped secure the win for the Bucks.
Photo: Former Coffee County Red Raider and now Motlow Buck Caleb Moran at bat against Lake Area Academy
