Williamsburg, KY – The #6 Patriots (23-6) dropped a tight 3-2 decision to Lindsey Wilson (13-16) in the series opener on Thursday evening at Doyle Buhl Stadium. Cumberlands totaled eight hits in the contest but was unable to overcome a three-run fifth inning by the Blue Raiders.

Wesley Culley was charged with the loss on the mound, falling to 5-1 on the season after allowing three runs on nine hits across five innings while striking out five. Justin Cortez and Jaden Morris were strong in relief, combining for four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.

At the plate, Dariel Castillo led the Patriots with a 2-for-3 performance, while Pedro Vasquez finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. Zamaurion Hatcher also drove in a run in the loss.

After two scoreless innings, Cumberlands struck first in the bottom of the third. Johnboy Rittenhouse reached base before Caden Petrey followed, and Hatcher delivered an RBI single to give UC a 1-0 lead.

Lindsey Wilson answered in the fourth inning with a run to tie the game at 1-1.

The Blue Raiders took control in the fifth. After putting multiple runners on base, Caden Davis delivered a two-RBI single to give Lindsey Wilson a 3-1 advantage.

The Patriots responded in the bottom half of the inning. Petrey doubled to lead off the frame and later scored on an RBI single from Vasquez to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Cumberlands threatened in the late innings but was unable to push across the tying run as Lindsey Wilson held on for the 3-2 victory.

The two teams will resume the series on Saturday, March 28th with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. ET at Doyle Buhl Stadium.

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