PULASKI, Tenn. – Tennessee Southern welcomed former TranSouth/Mid-South Conference rival Freed-Hardeman to Bobby Walker Field on Tuesday, falling 8–4 in a midweek matchup.
Freed-Hardeman struck quickly in the opening inning, using a two-run home run and a series of hits and miscues to build a 4–0 lead.
The Firehawks threatened in the first when Zac Wilson singled to right-center, but the early momentum was halted.
Tennessee Southern continued to battle for opportunities through the middle innings, putting runners on via walks but unable to break through until the sixth. Masato Mizumori worked a walk and Wilson followed with another free pass before Baron Cribbs came around to score on a throwing error, putting the Firehawks on the board.
The Firehawks added another run later in the inning as Gage Beckner drew a walk and stole second, creating pressure on the bases.
Freed-Hardeman extended its lead in the seventh with a two-run home run, but Tennessee Southern answered in the bottom half. Carson Foote walked and stole second before Anthony Pastrana reached on an error, allowing Foote to score. Pastrana later came home on a wild pitch to trim the deficit to 6–3.
The Lions added a run in both the eighth and ninth innings to stretch the margin, but the Firehawks continued to compete late.
Pastrana reached base twice, scored a run, and stole a base to lead Tennessee Southern. Wilson recorded the Firehawks' lone hit of the contest and drew two walks, while Foote scored a run and stole a base. Mizumori added a walk and a run scored, and Beckner reached base and swiped a bag.
On the mound, Maxwell McHenry made the start before Tavien Tigg provided four innings of relief. Blake Medley, Kyler Campbell, Levi Martin, and Jackson Moon also saw action out of the bullpen.
Tennessee Southern returns to action Friday, March 20, traveling to Blue Mountain Christian to open a Southern States Athletic Conference weekend series.
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