Bats struggle in Game 2 loss to Phoenix

Georgetown took on Cumberland in the first of a Saturday doubleheader, with the Tigers looking to come back from a tough Friday loss. The momentum never materialized. Georgetown mustered just 2 hits and committed 5 errors as the Phoenix rolled to a 10-1 win in the 7-inning matinee.

Chris Lenocker got the start on the mound and immediately faced trouble against an ultra-patient Phoenix lineup. After retiring the 1st 2 batters, Lenocker allowed a single and 2 straight walks to load the bases. A single to right field scored the first run of the game. Lenocker was able to get a strikeout to retire the side and strand the bases loaded.

After Georgetown went down in order in the bottom of the 1st, Cumberland went right at Lenocker in the 2nd. With 1 out, Cumberland's 9-hitter tripled to right field. A double followed for a 2-0 lead. The Phoenix then laid down a would-be sac bunt, but Lenocker threw the ball away at 1st, allowing another run to score. The next batter hit a fly ball to left that was dropped by Payton Rios, allowing a 3rd run in the inning to score. The play signaled the end of the day for Lenocker as he was relieved by Anthony Barrera. A single put runners on the corners with still only 1 out. The next batter lofted fly ball to right. The catch was made but the throw home was errant and allowed a 4th run to score. Georgetown committed 3 errors in the inning as Cumberland took a 5-0 lead.

The Tigers' first chance for offense came in the bottom of the 3rd. With 1 out, Jacob VonThaden singled to center for the 1st GC hit of the game. Henry Cruz then reached via an error to put 2 on. With 2 out, the runners moved to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch to Payton Rios. The runners would not move as Rios struck out to end the inning.

Anthony Barrera started the top of the 4th with a walk and hit batter, but retired the next 3 batters to keep the score the same. Georgetown's only run came in the bottom of the 4th. Jarrett Chapman reached on a fielder's choice. With 2 out, Chapman stole 2nd. He then stole 3rd and when the throw from the catcher rolled into left field, Chapman raced home to get the Tigers on the board, trailing 5-1. Cumberland got the run back in the top of the 5th off a wild pitch.

Cumberland added another unearned run in the 6th after Aidan Jbara misplayed a ground ball at 1st for a 7-1 lead. The Phoenix put the game out of reach in the 7th. 3 straight singles off Barrera started the inning and brought Barrera's day to a close. Beau Becker came on. An infield fly, followed by a sacrifice fly for an 8-1 lead. A 2-run single to left followed for the 10-1 final score.

Georgetown's offense had no answers for Cumberland's Justin Goldstein on the mound. Goldstein pitched all 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, and 1 run to go with 14 strikeouts. Chris Lenocker took the loss after allowing 6 hits and 5 runs (3 earned) in 1.1 innings.