ACA played the second of three games this week against MPS teams as they played host to Lee on Thursday. The home team defeated the Generals 11-1 in five innings to improve to 3-2 on the young season.
Starting pitcher Landon Nelson allowed the first three batters to reach without the benefit of a hit to start the game but responded with three straight punch outs to wiggle off the hook. The righty pitcher struck out the side over the next two frames for a total of nine consecutive whiffs. The Eagles got on the scoreboard in the second inning starting with Jackson McGuire’s RBI groundout. Nelson singled in the second run and Preston Hicks hit a double over the left fielder's head to run the score to 4-0.
After a scoreless third, ACA scored five runs in the fourth to blow the game open. Two hit batsmen and a walk loaded the bases with no outs. Landon Nelson drove in two with a single to center for a 6-0 lead. Hunter Barfoot and Ari Bowman both drove in additional runs as the lead ballooned to 9-0. Lee scored one on a solo shot in the top of the fifth, but the Eagles scored two in the bottom half to end it in five. Preston Hicks whistled the game-winning hit by the pitcher’s ear to walk it off for the home team.
Landon Nelson picked up the win with ten strikeouts over four innings not allowing a General hit. Nelson and Preston Hicks both had two hits and drove in three runs to lead the offense. Hayes Hunt continued to get on base with three runs scored from the leadoff spot. Mac Moorer and Nelson both scored twice.
ACA next plays Saturday afternoon against Jeff Davis as they try to complete an undefeated week. Alabama Christian’s game against Trinity, scheduled for Friday, was canceled.