AMC Communications
LEWISTON, Idaho – The Lions (47-17) baseball season came to an end after falling 10-2 to Southeastern (52-11) in a rematch of last year’s World Series title game.
It was a back-and-forth affair to start the game, with the Fire going on top 1-0 in the top of the first, but the Lions were able to answer in the home half with a run of their own.
After Bryce Lester reached on a leadoff walk and Zach Sanders got to first on a fielder’s choice, the freshman second baseman was moved to second on a fielding error by Ivan Nunez off the bat of Josh Sears and then took third on a throwing error by the third baseman.
Collin McPherson then drove Sanders in on an RBI single to tie the game.
After a scoreless second inning, the Fire went back on top of the third, but were answered yet again by the Lions, this time on an RBI double by Sears that scored Lester, who reached base on a hit-by-pitch and then stole second.
That would be the last run scored by the Lions, and the Fire would open things up with a run in the fourth, four runs in the seventh, two runs in the eighth and a run in the ninth to go on to win 10-2. Sears, McPherson, De’Mikyle Holmes and Isaac Howeth recorded the only four hits for the home team.
Tyson Campbell got the start on the mound and went six and one-third innings pitched. He struck out five batters.
Landon Sewell came on in relief after throwing in Friday night’s game to throw two and one-third innings with three strikeouts. Tyrek White made an appearance for one third of an inning.
It was a strong season for the Lions, who matched their win total from a year ago with 47. The Lions won the American Midwest Conference regular season and tournament titles after going 30-4 in the conference. They also hosted the NAIA Opening Round, which they were able to win and advance to their second straight Avista-NAIA World Series.