Lions close home slate with weekend series versus Wasps
April 19, 2025

Lions close home slate with weekend series versus Wasps

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MARS HILL, N.C. - Mars Hill hosted Emory & Henry this past weekend in a three-game South Atlantic Conference (SAC) baseball series at Henderson Field that was full of momentum swings, explosive offense, and standout individual efforts.

GAME ONE: E&H 19, MHU 6 - 7 Innings

Emory & Henry came into the matchup looking to gain ground in the SAC standings, and they set the tone early with a powerful offensive showcase on Friday, scoring 19 runs on 15 hits to take the series opener. The Wasps erupted for 10 runs in the sixth inning alone, highlighted by home runs from Steven Smith, Jacob Bebber, Triston Hensley, and Camden Bailey. Smith finished the game with three hits and five RBIs, while Bebber drove in three and Howell added three hits. On the mound, Jacob Nester earned the win with five innings of work, while reliever John McCarthy shut the door with three scoreless innings. Despite Mars Hill tallying 12 hits of their own—including a homer from Chapel Matson and three hits from Jackson Jones—the Lions couldn't keep up with the Wasps' relentless scoring.

GAME TWO: MHU 9, E&H 0
 
On Saturday, the Lions flipped the script in game two with a dominant 9-0 shutout victory. Senior right-hander Dylan Vega was lights-out, throwing eight innings of one-hit ball with two strikeouts and zero walks, allowing the defense to shine behind him. Mars Hill's offense supported him with a well-rounded attack—three different players homered, and five recorded RBIs. Matson continued his hot streak with two doubles and three RBIs, while Terick Bumgarner and Carter Potts each added home runs. The Lions capitalized on early scoring opportunities and executed clean defense to even the series in convincing fashion.
 
Prior to the start of game one, seniors Dylan Vega, Evan Grant, Elec Yount, Nate Crissey, JD Lewis, Nolan Jamison, and Jake Wagoner were each recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the program.
 
GAME THREE: E&H 9, MHU 4
 
In the rubber match later that afternoon, Emory & Henry bounced back to take the series with a 9-4 win. Jared Foley set the tone at the top of the order, scoring four runs and reaching base three times. Jacob Bebber once again anchored the lineup with a three-hit, four-RBI performance, giving him seven RBIs in the series. Steven Smith added two hits and two RBIs of his own, while the Wasps' pitching staff managed to hold off several Mars Hill rallies. Despite RBIs from Carter Potts, Evan Grant, and Max LaLime, and a solid relief appearance from JD Lewis, the Lions couldn't overcome Emory & Henry's offensive pressure.
 
Now sitting at 13-34 overall and 6-21 in conference play, Mars Hill will close out the regular season on the road on Friday, April 25 when they face Carson-Newman in game one of their weekend series. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.