WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University baseball team returned to action for day two of the Mr. V Memorial Tournament. After posting a 10-run performance in the first inning of game one against Immaculata, the Hornets saw the Wittenberg Tigers put up 10 runs in the first inning, ultimately falling 11-1 in seven innings.
The Hornets (7-3) struggled offensively, managing only four hits on the day. Joey Mitchell made the start but was unable to get out of the first inning, prompting Nick Bell to take over for the next 5.2 innings, where he recorded four strikeouts.
GAME RECAP
Mitchell started on the mound but encountered command issues early. The Tigers sent 15 batters to the plate in the first inning, as Mitchell surrendered five hits, eight runs, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch before being replaced by Bell. Bell allowed two more runs in the inning before recording the final two outs, leaving the Hornets in a 10-0 deficit. In the bottom of the first, Shenandoah was retired in order.
Bell returned for the second inning and, despite allowing a lead off single, retired the next three batters. The Hornets, however, continued to struggle at the plate, going down in order with three consecutive strikeouts.
Wittenberg added another run in the third. After allowing a lead off triple, Bell and the Hornets managed to get an out at home on a fielder's choice. The Tigers then executed a double steal, placing runners on second and third. A ground out brought in another run, extending the lead to 11-0. In Shenandoah's half of the inning, Kyle Garrett reached on an error, and Jaime Padilla drew a walk, but the Hornets were unable to capitalize.
Bell found his rhythm in the fourth and fifth innings, retiring the Tigers in order both times. The Hornets ended Wittenberg's no-hitter in the bottom of the fifth when Cole Ambrosius led off with a double. Christian Carver followed with a walk, forcing Wittenberg to make a pitching change. However, the Tigers' reliever induced a double play and a ground out to escape the inning unscathed.
Bell's streak of retiring six straight batters ended when he hit the lead off hitter in the sixth, but he managed to keep the Tigers off the scoreboard. Shenandoah finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth when Padilla led off with an opposite-field single, advanced to third on a double by Noah Cornwell, and scored on a ground out by Connor Houser to make it an 11-1 game.
Colin Miller took over pitching duties in the seventh. After recording the first out, an error allowed a runner to reach base. However, Miller recovered and retired the next two batters to close the inning.
Needing a run to extend the game, Shenandoah put together a late effort in the bottom of the seventh. Carver reached on a throwing error, and Haden Madagan singled through the left side, putting two runners on. Garrett walked to load the bases, prompting another Wittenberg pitching change. Padilla then flied out to center, and Carver attempted to score but was thrown out at the plate for a game-ending double play.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will conclude the Mr. V Memorial Tournament tomorrow, facing No. 15 Cortland at 2:15 p.m. following the morning game between Wittenberg and Cortland.
#GoSUHornets
