Box Score (HTML)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Evansville Purple Aces baseball team launched two home runs in the top of the fourth inning on Tuesday, en route to a 7-5 victory over the host Lipscomb University Bisons at Dugan Field in Nashville, Tenn.
After Nate Smith drew a walk from Lipscomb starting pitcher Charles Williams, designated hitter Greg Wallace sent the first pitch he saw from Williams out of the park, giving the Purple Aces a lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the day. Two batters later, left fielder Alex Acheson drove a pitch over the left field fence to put the Aces up 4-2.
The Purple Aces’ offense continued its hot hitting of late, as they pounded out 14 hits on day. The offensive attack was also balanced on Tuesday, as seven of the nine starters recorded at least one hit.
Both teams opened up the game by notching runs in the first inning. In the top of the inning, second baseman Shawn Kuester worked his way to third base with two outs and was brought home on a single from first baseman Andy Pascoe. Lipscomb scored a pair of runs in their half of the frame, after beginning the game with three straight singles off Evansville starter Jared Baehl. Baehl, in his first start this season for the Purple Aces, lasted 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out two and walking two.
“Jared really minimized damage during his time in the game,” said head coach Wes Carroll. “All our pitchers battled while on the mound to keep us in the game, which was really nice to see.”
Evansville would stretch their lead to 6-2 in the top of the fifth inning on RBI singles by shortstop Trentt Copeland and catcher Matt Major. Major, making his first career start for the Purple Aces, finished the day 2-3 at the dish.
After LU closed the Aces’ lead to 6-4, UE would score their final run of the day in the top of the seventh. Copeland led off the inning with a double and three batters later would be brought home on a single off the bat of leadoff man Jim Viscomi.
Mark Obenchain (1-1) picked up the victory in relief for the Purple Aces on Tuesday, tossing 2 2/3 innings of one hit baseball, allowing one run (zero earned) while striking out one. #Tom Heithoff# closed out the game for UE, completing the final 1 1/3 innings in scoreless fashion to pick up his second save on the season.
“Lipscomb is a very good team, “said head coach Carroll, “but we were able to execute some good plays today to get the victory.
“We’re going to have to play small ball to win some games, but this win will build some momentum as we travel to Illinois State this weekend.”
With the win, Evansville improves to 6-9 on the season. Lipscomb falls to 8-9. The Purple Aces will kick off Missouri Valley Conference play this Friday when they travel to Normal, Ill. to take on the Illinois State Redbirds. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. Friday and can be heard live on 91.5 F.M.-WUEV.
