The Tigers bounced back after a tough week, defeating the University of North Alabama Lions 16-2 in seven innings. The win snaps a five-game losing streak for Memphis.
“This is the type of game we needed,” said coach Matt Riser. “We did it in multiple ways, and the energy in our dugout was awesome.”
Starting pitcher Cade Davis put together a strong outing, allowing one run via a leadoff home run by North Alabama second baseman Jackson Ferrigno. In five innings of work, Davis recorded seven strikeouts and did not allow a walk. He received his first collegiate win for the effort.
North Alabama cycled through six different pitchers in the contest. All but one allowed multiple runs in their stints.
The Tigers got the bats going early, tallying seven runs in the first three innings. Daunte Stuart and Seth Cox each drove in multiple runs with extra-base hits to give Memphis control of the contest.
Along with the 11 hits totaled by the Memphis offense, the North Alabama pitching staff allowed 14 Tiger batters to reach base via walk or hit-by-pitch.
North Alabama’s defense committed two costly errors, scoring multiple runs for Memphis and putting the game out of reach.
“We did a really good job of putting pressure on their defense,” said Riser. “We did the little things right to create situations for the big hits.”
Jacob Compton and Austin Baskin each drove in multiple runs with hits late in the game to extend the lead to double figures for Memphis.
Jackson Lyons entered in the sixth inning, relieving Cade Davis on the mound for the Tigers. Lyons gave up one run in two innings of work and sealed the seven-inning win for Memphis.
The victory over North Alabama is the second of the mercy rule variety for the Tigers this season and improves their record to 8-10. Memphis will return to action tomorrow against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at FedEx Avron Fogelman Field at 6 p.m.
The Tigerpen 