It was an up-and-down day for the Lindenwood Lion baseball team on Friday at the Lou Brock Sports Complex but the Lions were able to sweep the visiting Evangel Crusaders, 12-10 and 7-6.
In the opening game of the day the Evangel Crusaders would jump out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning. That lead didn't last long, as the Lion offense erupted for 11 runs in the bottom of the third. The Crusaders' defense imploded in the inning, committing four errors to help the Lions take the big lead.
Trailing 11-3, Evangel didn't go away. The visitors scored two runs in the fourth and three in the sixth to cut the Lion lead to four going into the final frame. With the Lions leading 12-8 in the top of the seventh inning, Evangel would battle back with two more runs to cut the lead to two but Lindenwood would hold on for the win.
The Lindenwood offense would pound out 10 hits including three extra base hits. Third baseman Daniel Sandello led the way for the Lions with a 2-for-3 day at the plate to go along with three RBI. Mike Gumm and Dylan Lowery also collected two hits in three at-bats. Pitcher turned outfielder Zach Malawey connected on his first home run of the season along with a double.
Evan Vinyard started on the hill for the Lions and earned his sixth win of the season after he went four innings and striking out eight.
Game two saw the Lions jump out to a 3-0 lead after one inning and a 4-0 lead after three. Lindenwood looked like they were on their way to another win but Evangel scored five runs in the top of the fifth to take the lead. With Evangel leading by a run, Lindenwood answered right back with two runs in the bottom half of the fifth.
The game would move into the seventh inning with the Lions leading by one and were just one strike away from a win. Evangel would survive and score a run to tie the game at six.
With the game tied, Sandello would lead off the inning with a double to left center and then would advance to third on a single by Casey Colbert. Lowery was next up and walked to load the bases. Centerfielder Bryce Holland had a chance to win the game and would come through with a single to give the Lions a two game sweep.
Carlos Pianetta led the way for the home team with a 4-for-4 day at the plate to go along with five RBIs. Joey Vega would get the win in relief pitching the final 1 1/3 inning.
The Lions and the Crusaders will finish off a four game weekend series with two more games on Saturday afternoon at the Lou Brock Sports Complex.
