Harrogate, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial baseball team secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Thomas More in a midweek non-conference match up, fueled by timely hitting and a disciplined performance on the basepaths. After Thomas More jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the second inning, the Railsplitters began their comeback in the bottom half of the frame when Nick Kaelin doubled and eventually scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Gabe Gray. Lincoln Memorial leveled the score in the third inning as Brady Morse showcased his power with a solo home run to left field. Although Thomas More briefly regained the lead in the fourth, the Railsplitters responded immediately in the bottom of the inning when Caleb Jordan smashed a clutch triple to center field, driving in Kevin Fernandez to tie the game at three runs apiece.
The decisive blow came in the bottom of the fifth inning as Lincoln Memorial surged ahead for good. Peyton Mullannix ignited the rally with a double, and after Brooks Hagedorn was hit by a pitch, Nick Kaelin delivered a go-ahead triple to score Hagedorn. Luke Lowery followed with a sharp single to center, bringing Kaelin home and extending the lead to 5-3. The Railsplitters offense finished the day with seven hits, led by multi-hit performances from Morse and Kaelin. The team also utilized their signature speed throughout the contest, as Jordan and Mullannix combined for three stolen bases. This aggressive style of play continues to define the Railsplitters this season, as the team currently features three of the top five base stealers in the conference. Payton Mullannix leads the league with eight stolen bases, while Gabe Gray and Caleb Jordan remain tied for third place with six steals each.
On the mound, a collective effort from the Lincoln Memorial pitching staff shut down the Thomas More offense over the final five innings. Starter Bradric Helton provided a solid foundation, striking out four batters over four innings of work. AJ Hootman earned the victory in relief, throwing a scoreless fifth inning, while Easton Barnett, Josh Jeffcoat, and Dylan Maire each provided a clean inning of work to maintain the lead. Gavin Zoeller entered in the ninth inning to slam the door, allowing just one hit and striking out one to earn his first save of the season. The Railsplitters pitching staff combined for ten strikeouts on the day, effectively navigating out of jams and stranding seven Thomas More runners to preserve the midweek victory.
The Railsplitters will be back in action over the weekend against conference opponent Emory & Henry.
