Symlar Sparks Offense to Stop Skid in 8-4 Win
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – The losing streak for Reinhardt baseball came to a halt on Thursday evening inside Ken White Baseball Field, as the 17th-ranked Eagles improved to 29-14 following an 8-4 positive outcome over the Buffaloes of Milligan (Tenn.).
The hometown team scored more in the bottom of the sixth (5) than the visitors did the entire contest as it claimed an overall mark of 15-9 within the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
"Man, it felt good to win that one today," head coach Jonathan Burton said. "Dan stepped up for us on the mound and Symlar was big at the plate for us in big moments. Our back is up against the wall right now, so it was good to see our team show some backbone today and execute offensively at a high level.
"Milligan is a good baseball team and Skylar has them playing well. Tomorrow will be a big day as we celebrate our senior class for our last home games of the season."
Reinhardt got on the board first in the bottom of the third compliments of an RBI-single from Dalton Turnbow. The lead didn't last long, however, as the Buffaloes' Anthony Guzman went deep on the first pitch of the fourth frame.
The Eagles would put pressure on the Milligan defense in the sixth with multiple bunts and runners all over the basepaths. Jackson Sisk gave his club the lead with a sacrifice bunt and got to first on an error, and then Devin Symlar doubled down the line to bring in two more teammates.
With the game now 4-1, Turnbow got another RBI on a SAC fly, which was followed up by Nick Sanders stealing home for a 6-1 cushion.
Symlar then made it 8-1 after another 2-RBI double down the line in the seventh.
The Buffaloes wouldn't go quietly, either, as they were able to get some good swings in the top of the eighth and earn an RBI-single and a 2-RBI double to pull within 8-4 – which ended up being the final tally.
Daniel Dolensky got the win on the mound with three strikeouts and a walk in eight innings.
Symlar had three of his group's 10 hits, and Xavier Arnette posted a pair of knocks as well.
The home slate concludes tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 2p.m., which will be followed by the Senior Day celebration on the field.
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