Rams, Badgers Split at Stan Galle

Spring Hill College and No. 6 ranked University of Mobile (36-10, 26-3 GCAC) split a doubleheader at Stan Galle Field on Saturday afternoon.  The home-standing Badgers (17-28, 10-19 GCAC) took the first game in a 5-2 decision while Mobile bounced back to take the nightcap 9-4.

In the first game, Nick Clapper allowed eight hits to the high-powered Ram offense including solo home runs to left fielder Nelson Curry and centerfielder Carlos Romero, but Mobile could not find ways to string enough of those hits together in the same frame to score runs.  Clapper (5-4) struck out two batters and walked four in the complete game win.

At the plate, the Badgers tied the game at one run apiece in the third with a run-scoring double by center fielder Justin Harrison and then took the lead with two-outs in the fourth off four consecutive singles that scored two runs off Mobile’s Kit Powell (5-2).   Spring Hill would strike for two more runs in the fifth following a throwing error by Powell and pinch runner Grant Brasher taking home during a successful double steal attempt.

Powell took the complete game loss, allowing 10 hits, three earned runs, two walks and two strikeouts.  Harrison and second baseman Tom Connors each had two hits for SHC while designated hitter Brett Barber had a pair of hits for Mobile.

The second game saw Mobile jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first when left fielder Kevin Orso drove in a run off a fielder’s choice.  The Rams quickly expanded their lead to a 7-0 advantage with three runs in the second inning, two in the third and a single run in the fourth.  The Badgers gamely fought back with a run in the sixth inning and three more runs in the eighth to cut the deficit to 7-4, but Mobile closed the door with two unearned runs in the ninth off a fielding error by shortstop Blake Nelson.

On the mound, Justin Bracewell (9-1) was the winner with eight innings of work, one earned run, nine hits, four strikeouts and no walks.  The Mobile infield provided excellent support for Bracewell turning three double plays behind him.  Taylor Chadick (3-5) took the loss for SHC in 2.2 innings with four earned runs, six hits, two walks and two strikeouts. 

Right fielder Ryan Hall had three hits for Spring Hill College while Connors and designated hitter Brad Holstein each had two hits.  For the Rams, five batters collected two hits each led by first baseman Daniel Harper with a home run and four RBI.

Spring Hill College plays Faulkner University at Stan Galle Field beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.