BRIDGEWATER, Va. (BC Athletics) – The No. 9 nationally ranked Bridgewater College baseball team bounced back from yesterday’s skid with a 15-6 win over Mary Baldwin at home Wednesday behind Ashton Smith’s 5-for-5 showing at the plate.
Records: BC (24-6), MBU (6-21)
How It Happened
• Although MBU struck first, the Eagles responded stronger and consistently. The Fighting Squirrels added the first run on the board in the first inning with a hard shot in the infield. However, the Eagles recovered quickly as Zack Chadwell muscled a sacrifice fly to score Jakson Walter. BC tallied five additional runs in the opening inning finished off by the first RBI for Ashton Smith on the day with a smoked single through the infield to send in TJ Johnson.
• With an explosive 6-1 opening burst, the Eagles pressed further. In the third inning, the Eagles displayed smart baserunning to advance runners and to score on the throw to second base, scoring Trent Holland. Smith then followed up his hot start with an RBI double to send home Johnson. Walter capitalized on a pitch in the sweet spot, smacking a single up the middle to bring in Smith for the commanding 9-1 lead.
• MBU tried to close the gap with a two-run fourth inning, but in the fifth, BC pushed further into solid scoring momentum. Smith barreled another double down the left field line to bring in Johnson for the 10-3 edge. The Eagles closed the fifth with another run scoring on a double play to command an eight-run ledger.
• Two more runs were scored for MBU in a late-game effort to avoid a run-rule decision with a home run and an RBI single. The Fighting Squirrels then only managed to land a sixth run before the offensive firepower continued to suffocate any scoring breakthrough.
• Walter added to the strong offensive output with an RBI single. The next inning, Bryce Suters hit in a run, drilling a double down the left field line and knocking in Bransen Hensley. Smith wrapped up the dominating offense with a two-run dinger over the left field wall. The pitching shut down as Spencer Lloyd retired three-straight batters in the ninth to come away with a 15-6 win.
Game Notes
• Ashton Smith led the Eagles offensively with five RBIs and five hits, including his eighth home run of the season.
• Bridgewater’s 16 hits were converted to 15 runs. Mary Baldwin produced just six runs on 12 hits.
• Only one strikeout was recorded for the Bridgewater offense.
• Jaden Isidro went a full six innings on the mound to earn his first win of the season along with three strikeouts.
Up Next
The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, April 11 to take on Guilford in a doubleheader at home beginning at 12 p.m.
— BC Athletics —
