The Pitt Panthers defeated the Lipscomb Bisons 6-5 on Sunday, behind three big homeruns. Starting pitcher Ben Dragani only lasted two innings, but a long relief appearance by Brady Devereux and a late rally helped Pitt survive.
Lipscomb loaded the bases in the first, plating two runs on a wild pitch and a groundout. The Panthers tied it up the next inning courtesy of a two-run home run by catcher Tatem Levins.
Shortstop Brock Franks gave them the lead with a blast of his own in the third, and the Bisons allowed another run on an error in the top of the fourth.
The Bisons scored one run in each of the next three innings with a trio of RBI singles, taking a 5-4 lead.
In the eighth inning, second baseman Jeffrey Wehler manufactured the tying run with help from Lipscomb pitcher Trey Nordmann. Wehler drew a walk, stole second, and a pair of wild pitches brought him around to score.
First baseman Bryce Hulett hit a home run in the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead, and Baron Stuart, who also pitched the eighth, closed the Bisons out—and earned the win—with a strikeout and two ground balls to shortstop.
The Panthers finish the Music City College Classic with a 3-1 record and are now 5-3 on the season.
Their next game is against the Army Black Knights on Friday, March 4, with Matt Gilbertson their projected starter.
