Bats Come Alive in Doubleheader Sweep

Bats Come Alive in Doubleheader Sweep
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February 12, 2020

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

EMERSON, Ga. – After Mother Nature had other ideas about the Eagles getting on the diamond at Ken White Baseball Field due to field conditions after constant rainfall, Reinhardt and Toccoa Falls (Ga.) were able to get in a doubleheader at LakePoint Wednesday afternoon.

The Eagles (4-2) came from behind in game one to run-rule the Screaming Eagles thanks to 12 runs over the final three frames – including 11 over the last two at-bats – and six tallies to win in seven innings, 13-2.

Reinhardt earned a sweep in the second outing in much-more of a pitcher's duel, 3-1.

"Happy that we were able to win two games but not happy with the process which we took to get those two wins," head coach Jonathan Burton said. "We did some things well, but we really struggled early in both games. We have to start faster in games and hopefully that will come as we begin to play more baseball games. If we don't, it is going to catch up with us on the wrong end of where we want to be.

"Our guys were disappointed today so that is a start, as they know we have to play better if we want to achieve our goals."

Andres Ugarte went yard leading off the bottom of the first, but Toccoa Falls would tie and take the lead in the fourth and fifth innings following a pair of RBI-singles. Nick Sanders would triple and score in the bottom of the fifth frame before the flood gates opened in the sixth for the Eagles.

Tied, 2-2, Reinhardt would blow the game open with five runs in a variety of ways with six hits as well. The Eagles would get right back in the batter's box in the seventh and add another half-dozen runs to win.

Ugarte would double and then score on a Keven Jimenez 2-bagger, which set up Albert Mora to crank a 2-run homer to left. A fielder's choice and an error put Reinhardt in prime position to end the game early, and Ben Heideman laced a ball to left for a 3-run walk-off blast.

The Eagles racked up 13 hits, led by Ugarte's trio of knocks. Jimenez and Heideman (4 RBIs and 2 stolen bases) both added a pair.

Mora (3 RBIs) and Chris Basilio (2 RBIs) also had strong days at the plate.

Ethan Foley got the win after six innings of work and five strikeouts.

The Screaming Eagles again crossed home plate first in the rubber match, as they got a solo shot in the top of the second for a 1-0 advantage. Ugarte again got things started in a run-scoring frame with a double to left-center in the third and Jimenez came through with another clutch hit to tie the score, 1-1.

Gianmarco Marcelletti netted the game-winning hit in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI-double, bringing home Basilio. Marcelletti would later score as well on a sacrifice fly from Heideman for an insurance run. 

Ugarte went 3-for-3 and recorded half of his club's six hits.

On the mound, Doss Arnold got the win in relief and Chandler Gant got a save with 2 Ks.

The team now heads to the Sunshine State as rain has forced cancelations and reschedules over the weekend. Reinhardt takes on Warner (Fla.) on Friday at 3 p.m.

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