Thu, Feb 26, 2009 - [Baseball]
HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions had the tying run on second base in the bottom of the ninth inning, but a hard-hit ball turned into a game-ended double play as FHU fell to Huntington (Ind.) University, 5-3, at Carnes Field.
Huntington was able to get to Lion starter Jhonny Montoya (2-1) early, scoring four runs in the first two innings to jump to an early lead. The Lions chipped away with runs in the second, third, and sixth innings before the visitors tacked on another run in the top of the seventh.
FHU appeared to be in position to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth after Leo Alvarez and Derek Bush each drew walks, then advanced to second and third on a wild pitch by Huntington starter Drew Taylor with one out. But a hard line drive off the bat of Angel Nicolas resulted in a double play as Bush did not have time to react and get back to the bag.
The Lions managed only four hits against Taylor, two of which came from Brian Bullard. Taylor allowed two walks and struck out nine, going the distance for the win. Joey Gildea, Alan Barnett, and Javy Gomez each threw a scoreless inning of relief for Freed-Hardeman.
