Williamsburg, KY – The eighth-ranked Patriots shutout Wilberforce in the seventh inning, after run-ruling the Bulldogs 10-0, on Saturday afternoon at Doyle Buhl Stadium. UC compiled 14 hits, with one home run, four doubles, and four stolen bases. The pitching staff recorded nine strikeouts and only allowed one hit.

Knicko Billings got the start on the mound, earning the win and moving to 1-0 after pitching a season-high of six full innings. The senior tallied another season high of six strikeouts, allowed no runs, and gave up the only hit for the Bulldogs. Caleb Plummer took over in relief in the top of the seventh inning. He went three-up, three-down with two swinging strikeouts and a strikeout looking.

Offensively, Ben Snapp went three-for-four with a career high as a Patriot two doubles, and a single, accounting for two RBIs. Catcher, Charlie Muñiz, ended the day 2-for-3, marking a three-run homer. Trent Prokes also went 2-for-3, hitting one double and a single for one RBI.

The Patriots scored one run in the bottom of the first, to take an early 1-0 lead. Charlie Muñiz singled through the left side and was substituted for Josiah Santiago. The pinch runner stole second and third. Santiago was able to cross the plate on a throwing error by Wilberforce's catcher.

In the bottom of the second frame, Cumberlands tacked one more run for a 2-0 lead. Ben Snapp batted second and knocked a double to center. The second baseman was brought home on a single from Caden Petrey.
UC extended their lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the third, with three runs off three hits. Max Harper singled and was followed on base by Jose Valentin, who was issued a walk. Both base runners went home on a double hit by Snapp. Trent Prokes scored Snapp with a double down the left line.

The Pats added three more to the board in the bottom of five, strengthening the gap to 8-0. Prokes and Johnboy Rittenhouse were on base when Muñiz homered to left field.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jeremy Garcia was walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball. Petrey singled, brining Garcia across the plate, leading 9-0.

Cumberlands earned the 10-0 run rule in the bottom of the seventh inning. Cannan Browing was issued a lead-off walk and substituted for pinch runner Jay Flynn. The runner advanced to scoring position after Josiah Santiago laid down a single to left. Harper brought in the final run with a single down the left line, completing the game for UC.

The #8 Patriots will face Wilberforce in a double header on Sunday February 25^th, at Doyle Buhl Stadium. The games will begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

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