MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The Auburn University at Montgomery baseball (11-36; GSC: 6-26) dropped both games of a doubleheader to Montevallo (26-23; GSC: 17-15), falling 2-3 in game one and 3-4 in game two on Friday evening at Kermit A. Johnson Field at Bob Riesener Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game One; AUM 2; MU 3
Through the first four innings, both teams were held scoreless with AUM recording three hits and leaving four runners on base, while the Falcons were limited to no hits and one runner left on.
The Warhawks broke through in the top of the fifth, stringing together four hits to take a 2-0 lead. Brice Ainsworth reached first base on a fielder's choice and right fielder Landon Baeder delivered a big swing, launching his first homerun of the season, a two run shot that would put AUM on the board.
Christopher McNeill followed with a double, and Will Passeau added a single later in the inning to keep pressure on Montevallo, but AUM would strand two more runners.
AUM continued to create opportunities over the next three innings, collecting four additional hits, including multi-hit frames in the seventh with singles from Baeder and McNeill, but the Warhawks were unable to extend the lead.
On the mound, the Warhawks were dominant through seven innings, holding Montevallo hitless through the first five and limiting the Falcons to just three hits entering the eighth while maintaining the 2-0 advantage.
Montevallo turned the game in the bottom of the eighth, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to spark a rally. After an error allowed a runner to reach and extend the inning, the Falcons strung together three consecutive RBI hits, all resulting in unearned runs, to take a 3-2 lead.
AUM went down in order in the ninth, as Montevallo held on to secure the 3-2 win.
Notables
Landon Baeder led the Warhawks at the plate, delivering a season high of three hits in the game. Baeder went 3-for-5 with a home run, his first of the season, 2 RBI, and a run scored while providing AUM's top offensive production.
Logan Turner delivered a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 and earning 10 putouts at first.
Christopher McNeill finished 3-for-5 with two doubles, one in the first and one in the fifth.
Will Passeau reached base twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk.
Brett Ainsworth also reached base twice, finishing 1-for-3.
AUM delivered 11 hits and left 10 runners on base in the one-run game.
Game Two; AUM 3; MU 4
Through the first two innings, both teams were held scoreless, with AUM collecting two hits and leaving two runners on base, while Montevallo managed one hit and left none stranded.
AUM broke through in the top of the third inning as third baseman, John Kiebler, walked. Landon Baeder launched a two-run home run, his second of the day, after hitting his first homer of the season in the earlier game of the doubleheader.
Kiebler and Baeder scored, giving the Warhawks a 2-0 lead. The inning continued with back-to-back singles from Christopher McNeill and Will Passeau, but Montevallo was able to limit further damage.
Montevallo answered in the bottom of the fourth, with one hit to even the score at 2-2.
The Warhawks regained the lead in the fifth inning. After Baeder reached base and McNeill advanced into scoring position, Liam Gilbert delivered a groundout RBI to bring home the go-ahead run and put AUM back in front, 3-2.
However, the Falcons responded once again in the bottom half of the inning with a solo home run to tie the game at 3-3.
The Falcons took their first lead of the game in the sixth inning, using another solo home run, from their first baseman to move ahead 4-3.
AUM threatened late, drawing a walk in the seventh, but could not generate the tying run as Montevallo held on for the 4-3 victory.
Notables
Landon Baeder led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and a run scored. His two-run shot in the third inning marked his second home run of the day after entering the day without one on the season.
Christopher McNeill finished 1-for-3 with a run scored and reached base twice after being hit by a pitch, while also adding a stolen base, his ninth of the year.
Will Passeau went 1-for-2 with two walks.
Liam Gilbert drove in a run on a sacrifice, finishing with 1 RBI while contributing defensively with five putouts at first base.
Kyle Hipp added a 1-for-3 performance at the plate, contributing to AUM's six-hit effort.
Brice Ainsworth went 1-for-3 with a double.
Ryan Revera contributed on the basepaths, reaching once, adding a stolen base, and being hit by a pitch.
John Kiebler scored a run and drew a walk, setting the table for AUM's two-run third inning.
AUM contributed two stolen bases in the second game.
Up Next
The Warhawks will play their final game of the series against the Falcons on Saturday, April 25, with first pitch set for 1 pm.
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