MARYVILLE – The Scots found themselves on the losing end in both games of the CCS opening doubleheader against Belhaven on Saturday.
Maryville managed to score just two runs in 18 innings of baseball, falling 5-2 in Game 1 of the twin bill, and 2-0 in Game 2.
MC's shutout in the nightcap marks the first time since February 28, 2021, that the Scots have been held scoreless.
Despite The Scots' struggles to drive in runs, the pitching staff impressed in both contests.
Game 1 starting pitcher
Bryce Leonhardt pitched 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball before being relieved in the seventh by
Xavier Resto. Two more runners who Leonhardt had allowed on base came around to score, giving him a line of 6 1/3 innings pitched, allowing three earned runs on nine hits and a walk.
Freshman
Kyle Timko pitched a gem in Game 2 for the Scots. In a classic pitcher's duel against Belhaven's Brett Sanchez, Timko took the game into the seventh inning tied 0-0 before allowing a run on a ground ball that took an unfortunate hop over third baseman
Zac Graham's head.
Timko's 6 2/3 innings pitched mark a career-high for the lefty. He also tied his season-high in strikeouts with five. His ERA on the season now sits at 3.37 (10 ER/26.2 IP).
The Scots had a chance to make some noise in the bottom of the seventh but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Christian Carlton and
Jimmy Meredith led off with back-to-back singles to start the inning, putting the tying run on base with no outs.
Ashton Whiteaker then walked, loading the bases up for the Scots. But the next three batters for Maryville went down 1-2-3, preserving the win, and the shutout for the Blazers.
Maryville had just 10 hits across two games, and just two players picked up more than one knock. Gabe Lopez went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored, and a walk in Game 1, and
Jimmy Meredith went 3-for-4 with a double in Game 2.
Maryville is back in action on Sunday, looking to avoid the sweep against Belhaven at Scotland Yard. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
