McKenzie, TN – 17^th ranked Pats took down conference foe Bethel 6-1 in the first game of this MSC series on Saturday afternoon. A big day from Sean Cheely gets UC to 17-9 on the season.

Braxton Cottongame got the start and the win as he pitched 7.0 innings scattering four hits for one run, with three walks and four strikeouts. Hunter Rigsby came in relief and pitched 2.0 innings, only walking one batter. Cheely led the way going 2-4 with a home run, a double and two RBIs. Luis Alvarez went 2-2 and a double. Raphy Almanzar had a game-high two stolen bases.

After a slow start to the game the Pats got their offense started in the top of the sixth scoring three runs to take the lead after falling behind 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth. Cheely got the run started hitting a leadoff first pitch homerun over to right field to tie the game at 1-1. Almanzar followed with a single to left field, then stole second two pitches later. Charlie Muniz stepped to the plate and got and RBI single to take the lead 2-1. Courtesy runner Kevin Perez replaced Muniz then stole second after a few pitches. Two batters later with one out Candido Encarnacion would get walked. Ray Villanueva stepped up and flew out to right field, but it brought home Perez for the 3-1 lead.

In the next at bat, with one out Alvarez came in to pinch hit and doubled to left center. Cheely came to the plate and hit a double to center field to bring home Alvarez then on the throw home from center field he advanced to third. After a walk from Almanzar, Muniz flew out to center field scoring a run for the 5-1 lead. On the very next pitch Almanzar stole second and then advanced to third on an errant throw from the catcher. Sujel Arias then got walked to put runners on the corners, but one last out would end the inning 5-1.

In the top of the ninth Cumberlands added one more run, as Alvarez would single up the middle, Cheely followed with a walk. Two batters later, Muniz grounded out to the shortstop but would get an RBI as Alvarez scored for the 6-1 lead.

UC held the lead through the bottom of the ninth to take game one 6-1. The Patriots are back in action tomorrow to complete the Mid-South Series against Bethel. First game of the double header will start at 1 PM CST.

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