lincolnpotters.com

Right-handed pitcher Mason Hilton (Stephen F. Austin) started and pitched 4 innings for the Potters, striking out two and allowing two runs.

Right-hander Riley Houtby pitched effectively in his 3 innings for the Potters, recording four strikeouts without allowing a run.

“I’m so happy with what our pitching’s doing the last two games,” said Manager Ryan Stevens. “The new guys came in and filled it up, threw some zeroes. Mason Hilton had a great start. I’m happy with them.”

Batting second, Damone Hale made sure the Knicks wouldn't be shut out on consecutive nights, hitting a solo home run. Marco Martinez’ RBI-double put the Knicks ahead 2-0 in the first inning.

The Potters responded in the second inning. After a Drew Stahl (University of Minnesota) doubled, Matthew Lee (University of Louisiana-Monroe) hit a groundball RBI-single into left field. A sacrifice groundout by Kevin Gutierrez (William Jessup University) evened the score, 2-2.

Lincoln claimed the lead in the third inning. Dan Pruitt (Oklahoma Baptist) singled into center field after Chase Weissenborn (University of New Mexico) took a pitch to the helmet. And JT Waldon (Folsom Lake College) hit an infield single to bring home the third Potter run.

Lincoln exhibited strong fielding while dealing with rain for much the game. Gutierrez made the defensive play of the fourth inning, sprinting toward a line drive and making a diving catch to help protect Lincoln’s 3-2 lead. Stahl dove to field a hard-hit groundball at second base in the sixth inning, quickly throwing across his body to beat the Knick baserunner and protect Lincoln’s 3-2 lead.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Malone retired the final six Knick batters to close the game, including four strikeouts.

The Potters will look to sweep the three-game series of the Knicks when the teams meet tomorrow at McBean Park.

You can find tonight’s box score here.