Williamsburg, KY – Though a pair of homeruns in the pocket, Cumberlands was not able to make a comeback against Point Park in their first Opening Round game. An early big hit by the opposing bats led to the 6-2 loss.
It was a second-inning grand slam by the Pioneers that proved costly against the home team. The score showed 4-1 for a majority of the contest as
Jose Rojas was able to respond with a solo shot over the wall, his fifth homer of the season. His long ball counted as the Patriots' 100th of the season.
Thomas Gutierrez, in relief, held the Pioneers to only three hits until the final inning where another was tapped into play. The senior dropped a trio of batters on strikes early on in his appearance, all-three consecutive beginning with the final out of the fourth.
Walter Hernandez picked up the loss after allowing four runs in the game.
Brian Garcia found himself on base a pair of times Monday evening, his first plate appearance getting hit by pitch. He advanced around to third on a stolen base and error, but was left stranded. The designated hitter was stranded at second his next time up after a dropped fly to left earned him two bags.
In the final inning, Point Park put up another pair of runs. Leadoff batter
Bryan Leef slugged a no-doubter over left field and into the darkness of the night to close the deficit 6-2. The team now notes 101 homeruns on the season, closing in on the 102 mark of 2018.
Ray Villaneva noted a single in the game, eventually caught trying to steal second.
Kevin Rolon also noted a base hit off a bunt, beating out the throw across the diamond.
Cumberlands (46-7) fell to the elimination bracket and will face the winner of Reinhardt vs. Mayville State Tuesday at 7 PM.
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