FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – Heading across state lines for the first time in the young season, the Newberry College (8-0) baseball team took away a 15-4 decision over the Lions of Emmanuel College on Wednesday, February 16.
The Wolves were dominate on the mound with a brilliant starting performance from sophomore right-hander Rylan Brown (Spartanburg, S.C.) who picked up the win after tossing five innings, allowing just three runs and striking out three batters as well. Each of the three relievers for Newberry on the day recorded at least a pair of fans while only the first bullpen change lasting longer than an inning.
It was a great day at the plate for the Scarlet and Gray as well as over half of the starting line-up recorded multiple hits in the contest. Redshirt-junior Braylin Marine (Freeport, N.Y.) led the way with three hits in the ball game while scoring four runs himself. The Wolves were only struck out four times and were give six free passes.
However, it would take a few innings for the bats to start finding the ball for either squad as both teams were fruitless over the opening two frames. Newberry got the scoring rolling in the third inning as they were able to post three runs in the top half to take the early lead. After back-to-back singles from sophomore Jacob LeBron (Lexington, S.C.) and senior Zane Tarrance (Odessa, Fla.), Marine would step in and force a defensive miscue from the Lions shortstop that would leave him waiting on second base with two runs finding their way on the scoreboard. A single by the next batter would drive him in, giving Newberry the 3-0 lead.
After exchanging scoreless half innings, the Lions were able to crawl back into the contest and pull level with the Wolves by posting a trio of runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Newberry didn't waste anytime regaining the lead as they responded with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth off single and at least third time stealing home this season to retake the 5-3 lead. LeBron would tally another run for the Wolves in the top of the sixth and the two teams traded one-run innings in the frame, with Newberry holding the 6-4 advantage after six.
The Wolves added another run in the seventh and then exploded for four runs in each of the eighth and ninth innings. The inning started with a single and a walk to put two runners on the basepaths, both who would find themselves crossing the plate after an RBI-single by Tarrance and a wild pitch. The next two runs wouldn't have to wait long as Marine rocketed a ball over the fence, giving Newberry the 11-4 edge.
More defensive miscues for the Lions defense in the ninth would allow the Wolves to score their last four runs with only one hit being tallied as they wrapped up the 15-4 win.
Newberry returns to action for a three-game series with Lander this weekend for an away-home-away schedule. They travel to Greenwood, S.C. on Friday for a 5:00 p.m first pitch and will make a return trip on Sunday for a 1:00 p.m. start. The Saturday contest will take place at the Smith Road Complex with first pitch taking place at 2:00 p.m.
