Union baseball splits series with Cleary

Barbourville, Ky. - The Union Commonwealth University baseball team wrapped up its four-game series against Cleary with a Saturday doubleheader. 

The Bulldogs came up just short in game one, falling 2-1, but bounced back with a 5-4 extra-inning victory in game two. With the win, UCU secured a series split at 2-2.

Game One

Brendan Hillis and Cooper Tomkinson each went 1-for-2 at the plate, while Hunter Pinkston, Jayden Gonzalez, and Aaron Barrera all recorded a hit. Brysen Vernon scored the lone run for the Bulldogs. 

On the mound, Evan Hiatt got the start, striking out six batters over three innings. Ethan Warren followed with four scoreless and hitless innings while adding three strikeouts.

Game Two

In game two, Gonzalez went 2-for-4 at the plate, while Max Charlton was 1-for-1 and Tomkinson went 1-for-2. Ryan Brown also contributed with a hit. The Bulldogs spread the scoring around, with Gonzalez, Barrera, Seelman, Brown, and Tomkinson each driving in a run. 

Gonzalez crossed the plate twice, while Pinkston, Charlton, and Brown each scored once. Charlton, Brown, and Tomkinson all hit doubles, and Gonzalez added a triple.

On the mound, Gunner Bleha got the start, striking out five batters over 4.1 innings. Jackson Clark took home the win with a 3.2-inning relief appearance, striking out eight and allowing just two hits.

The Bulldogs are now 7-10 this season, while Cleary is 6-6. Up next for Union is a home game against Alice Lloyd on Tuesday, Mar. 4, at 1:00 p.m.