FHU Athletics
HENDERSON – Beginning their 2024 campaign with a doubleheader, the No. 25 Freed-Hardeman University Lions fell behind in the first inning, but rattled off 11 runs in four innings to claim a season-opening victory against the Viterbo (Wis.) University V-Hawks.
After a the Lions (1-0) opened the game with a punchout, Viterbo followed with a pair of singles before a fielding error allowed the first run of the game to score. Colton Huntt settled down on the mound to collect a second strikeout before coaxing a full-count groundout to end the top of the first inning allowing one run.
Freed-Hardeman showed their early patience at the plate, with Adam Smithson leading off FHU’s offensive season with a walk. Viterbo (0-1) would quickly collect a set of outs before William Kelley and Cannon Caversa drew walks to load the bases. Trace Anderson would dig in to draw a seven-pitch walk to drive in the first Lion run of the day.
The second inning was a big one for FHU, after Smithson had a two-out single, Christian Presley drove in the second FHU run before Cam Madding blasted the first FHU home run with a two-run shot over the right field fence to give the Lions a 4-1 lead.
Viterbo answered back in the top of the third inning with a homer of their own, clearing the left field fence to cut into FHU’s lead. After reaching thanks to a dropped third strike, Daversa’s courtesy runner – Austin Johnson – wrapped around to score after Dawson Massengale legged out an infield single. Also scoring on the play was Trace Anderson when the throw to first was errant. Smithson would tally an RBI double to close the third inning with the Lions leading 7-2
Anderson continued the Lions’ big day at the dish with a two-run single before Jordan Carter made his name known by recording his first collegiate hit with a two-run homer to right field to end a four-run fourth inning and the rest of the scoring for the day on FHU’s 11-2 season-opening win.
Colton Huntt (1-0) picked up the victory, striking out nine V-Hawks while allowing just one base on balls.
Trace Anderson led the run production with three RBI off of one hit. Adam Smithson, Christian Presley, and Dawson Massengale each collected two hits.