Waleska, Ga. - Tye Marshall went 3-3, Kirk Jennings and Tyler Hutson each hit home runs, and Mat Irish collected the first win of his collegiate career on Saturday as UVa-Wise (1-0) defeated Reinhardt (0-1) 6-4 in the season opener for both schools.
A day after the season opener was canceled due to winter weather that prevented the Cavaliers from traveling to Georgia, both schools brought hot bats to the plate on Saturday. The Eagles cracked the scoreboard first when Jerome Jones blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Two innings later it was the visitors turn to dent the scoreboard. Three consecutive singles by Jennings, Marshall, and Chaz Hall sent Tommy Meier to plate with the bases loaded and nobody out. The senior catcher delivered with an RBI single through the left side of the infield. Two hitters later, Michael McCollom reached on an error that allowed a pair of runs to score, giving UVa-Wise the lead. In the bottom half of the frame, Reinhardt pushed across two runs on a single hit to regain the lead. In the inning, the Eagles used a walk, stolen base, base hit, and a sacrifice fly to make the score 4-3.
One inning later, Tyler Hutson blasted a home run over the right field fence, the first of his Cavalier career. Two batters later, Marshall doubled to right field scoring Jennings who had reached on a hit by pitch, to give UVa-Wise a lead it would not relinquish.
Leading 5-4, Head Coach Hank Banner brought freshman Mat Irish out of the bullpen for the final three innings. The young right hander was up to the task as he allowed just one hit while striking out four in his four innings of work to earn his first career victory.
UVa-Wise added a sixth run in the sixth inning on a solo home run by Jennings. In total, seven Cavs collected hits in the victory. Jennings, Marshall, and Meier all posted multi-hit games. In the loss, the Eagles were limited to just four hits, two of which came from Jones.
Game two of the double header was suspended with the score tied 2-2 in the top of the fifth inning with UVa-Wise having runners on second and third. The game will not be concluded and the statistics from the game will not count. The Cavs are scheduled to play a double header on Tuesday at Milligan College. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.
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