Rubiera completes comeback win for Lions in extras
Mel Rubiera's bases loaded single completes Lions' 4-0 homestand.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill baseball team (17-17-1) defeated Emmanuel (16-18) in 12 innings Tuesday afternoon at Henderson Field by a score of 9-8.
The Lions, trailing 8-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, plated three to tie the ball game. Following Julian Lewis' RBI single to pull within two, Chapel Matson's infield single allowed two runs to score, pulling Mars Hill and Emmanuel even at eight.
Heading into extras, Mel Rubiera, with a 3-2 count and the bases loaded, drilled a line drive to center, scoring Terick Bumgarner for the game-winning run, capping off a perfect 4-0 homestand for The Hill.
Mars Hill led 5-2 after two, scoring all five runs in the second. Emmanuel, following three scoreless innings, pulled even in the sixth off of a solo home run from Aidan Feather and a two-run home run from Andrew Wilson.
They retook the lead in the seventh, as Matt Layton collected two RBI off a double to center. Emmanuel bumped their lead to three as Layton scored off of Parker Westbrook's single to center.
Matson led all players with three hits and three RBI. Rubiera reached base safely five times, with two hits and three walks. Alejandro Aguilar and Peyton Starkey led the team with two runs scored.
Brady Stephens was credited with the win, allowing two hits in 1.2 innings thrown. Cameron Brown threw 4.0 innings in the start, allowing two runs on three hits.
The Lions return to South Atlantic Conference play on Friday, April 3 when they face Tusculum on the road. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.
