GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – In a hard-fought battle at Pioneer Park, the Anderson University Trojans fell just short in an 11-inning thriller against the Tusculum Pioneers, dropping the contest 11-10. Despite a strong offensive performance, Anderson now sits at 16-10 overall and 6-6 in South Atlantic Conference play.
Anderson's offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 17 hits throughout the game. The Trojans opened their scoring in the third inning when Braeden Harrison singled, advanced on a throwing error, and later scored to tie the game at 1-1. They added another run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Zach Stover, taking a 2-1 lead.
Harrison continued his stellar performance in the fifth inning, launching a solo home run down the left-field line to push Anderson ahead 3-2. However, the turning point of the game came in the sixth, when Tusculum exploded for eight runs, seizing a 10-3 advantage.
The Trojans refused to go down quietly, responding in the seventh with a five-run rally. Brooks Mauro delivered a key two-run single, followed by a two-run double from Gray Wells. Shane Thomas capped off the inning by driving in another run, cutting the deficit to 10-8.
In the ninth inning, Anderson tied the game at 10-10. Shane Thomas led off with a double and later scored on a single by Dom Bello. Moments later, a wild pitch allowed Braeden Harrison to race home and even the score, sending the game into extra innings.
Despite keeping Tusculum scoreless in the 10th, Anderson was unable to capitalize in their at-bats. In the bottom of the 11th, Tusculum walked it off with a bases-loaded walk, sealing the 11-10 victory.
Harrison led the offense, going 4-for-6 with a home run, four runs scored, and an RBI. Mauro and Wells also had multi-hit performances, each driving in crucial runs. On the mound, Corben Childers (2-3) took the loss in relief after battling through 2.1 innings.
The Trojans return to action on Tuesday, March 18 as they make the trek to Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C., home of the Greenville Drive, for a non-conference match up with Limestone. The game is slated for a 6:00 p.m. first pitch. Tickets are available at www.greenvilledrive.com.
