KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The eighth-seeded Montreat College baseball team was back in action at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament on Wednesday night, taking on the third-seeded and No. 16-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs. The Cavaliers suffered their first loss of the postseason, falling to the Bulldogs, 7-1. As a result of the contest, the Cavs now hold a 33-20 (14-13 AAC) record, while TWU owns a 38-14 (20-7 AAC) record this year.
Early on, Tennessee Wesleyan slowly started to build a lead, scoring a single run in each of the first three frames. The runs came by way of a passed ball, a solo homer and a sacrifice fly. Those tallies enabled the Bulldogs to seize a 3-0 lead through three innings.
After Montreat found a much needed scoreless fourth, TWU responded by furthering the gap in the following frame. A pair of extra-base hits and an RBI single brought across four more runs, extending the designated home team's lead to 7-0.
The Cavaliers managed to prevent any further scoring across the final four innings, but they were unable to trim the gap between the two sides until late. The offense chipped away with a run in the ninth, as Dawson Bryant reached base due to a fielder's choice. Jack Weisman came on to run for him and was brought home to score thanks to an RBI single from Hunter Furches. That tally officially ended the scoring on Wednesday evening, and the game ended with the Bulldogs on top, 7-1.
Hayden Brooks started on the bump for Montreat, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing five earned runs on seven hits. He struck out four while issuing two walks and hitting one batter. Jayden Hughes came on in relief, tossing 3 1/3 innings and surrendering just one run on three hits, while also striking out three.
Cameron Nagel recorded one hit and drew a walk while successfully stealing two bases. Matthew Brunner collected two hits in his appearance. Furches contributed with two hits, one RBI and a stolen bag.
"We just need to turn the page right away," said Head Coach Jason Beck. "We knew this tournament wasn't going to be easy. We faced a really good Tennessee Wesleyan team, but I'm confident that our guys are going to come back tomorrow and play well."
Looking ahead, Montreat is set to face second-seeded and No. 6-ranked Johnson University tomorrow afternoon. First pitch of the elimination contest is slated for 12 p.m. at Hunter Wright Stadium in Kingsport, Tenn.
