Kentucky State University baseball opened up the 2017 season with a 12-4 loss on the road to Emmanuel College on Friday afternoon.
“I really like our team,” said head coach Rob Henry. “We have the right mindset, and that’s crucial. Even we got down in the middle innings we never let up and kept fighting. We didn’t get down on ourselves and just kept trying to put things together from the first pitch to the last out. If we keep this mindset the entire season, it’ll take us far.”
The Thorobreds (0-1) showed a spark early as they struck in the top of the third inning. With runners on second and third and one out, sophomore catcher Greg Alexander ripped a single driving in junior shortstop Justin Stinson, tying the game up at one.
Sophomore center fielder Jay Poullard followed up with a grounder back to the pitcher, knocking in sophomore first baseman Artie Santomo to put KSU up 2-1. Sophomore designated hitter Cameron Starks added to the Thorobreds’ offense with a single of his own, scoring Alexander.
The Lions answered back in the bottom half of the inning pushing four runs across, followed by three in the fourth, and three in the fifth for an 11-3 Lions’ lead.
“We made some mistakes to some of their big hitters, guys who have the potential to play at the next level, and they hurt us,” said Henry. “We have a few things to work on regarding our pitching and our defense, but I believe it will come with time.”
Starks led the Thorobred offense by going three-for-four in the middle of the lineup, and Santomo played the role of table setter through the afternoon, collecting two hits and two walks in the number two position of the lineup.
Senior pitcher Josh Dunn (0-1) gave up eight runs, six earned in four innings of work, while Sophomore pitcher Joshua Owsley came out of the bullpen, delivering four innings of work, allowing four runs, two earned, on five hits.
KSU will look to bounce back on Saturday against the Lions with a doubleheader beginning at noon.
by Eric Matthews