Select Page

by Anthony Sizemore, Student Sportswriter

The Alice Lloyd Baseball Eagles opened the 2013 season by traveling to Memphis, TN to face Victory University this past weekend. ALC Head Coach Scott Cornett wanted to get his young squad on the field early to gain experience against a quality non-conference opponent. Below are recaps of each contest.

February 8

Game 1

ALC 1; VU 11

In the first game, Alice Lloyd had a tough time at the plate against Victory’s Aaron Pearson. The team recorded just 4 hits and scored their only run in the fourth inning. For the Eagles, Kevin Smith had one of the four base hits and drove in the only run for the Eagles on an RBI single. Brandon Arnold had 2 hits and scored the run. Pitcher Dylan Sullins ran into trouble early as he allowed 3 hits and 6 runs, albeit 4 of them were earned in 3 innings. He punched out 3 batters. Mackenzie Hicks and Russell Sweeney surrendered 5 runs (4 earned) and 5 hits combined in 2 2/3 innings.

Game 2

ALC 0; VU 2

The nightcap was a closer affair as Neil Dillon of ALC and Jake Smith of Victory was engaged in a pitching duel. There was no score through the first five innings of play. The difference in the game was in the sixth inning when Victory was able to plate two runs across. Alice Lloyd threatened to score twice, but Victory was able to get out of both jams. Alice Lloyd had five hits and drew two walks. Dillon pitched six strong innings while allowing two runs on only four hits while striking out three.

February 9

Game 1

ALC 5; VU 6

The third game of the series provided some drama and excitement as the Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the second inning. Victory provided some firepower of their own as they scored runs in the next three innings to take a 5-2 lead. However, Alice Lloyd stormed back in the fifth inning as they tied the game with three runs of their own to make it 5-5. In the bottom half of the seventh, though, Victory walked-off on a base hit by Ben Russell. Cody Hyden and Joey Stamper drove in two runs apiece while Brandon Arnold also had an RBI. Wayne Sparks gave a gritty performance on the mound, giving up 3 runs and 3 hits in 3 and 2/3 innings. Chance Westerfield was saddled with the loss as he gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, while whiffing 2 batters.

Game 2

ALC 5; VU 7

The series finale was on Saturday afternoon as the Eagles looked to avoid the sweep. Like the first game, Alice Lloyd jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Again, Victory came back to take a 5-2 lead. Going into the seventh inning, the Eagles were down 7-2 and had one last opportunity to rally. The visitors certainly made things interesting as they would plate three runs across but could not quite complete the comeback. For ALC, Josh Mills had 2 RBI’s while Shane Pack, Jake Bales and Greg Wright drove in a run apiece. Mills, along with Cody Hyden, Derek Walzer and Zach Hancock scored runs. On the mound, Aaron Boling gave up 4 runs (2 earned) in 3 and 1/3 innings. Ryan Burrow and Daniel Burgess combined to pitch 2 and 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in relief.