Big innings doom Pride in 14-1 loss to Cumberland

LEBANON, Tenn. - Looking to earn their first series win of the season, the Clarke University baseball team couldn't find their stride on Sunday in a 14-1 loss against Cumberland University.

It was 11 runs combined for the Phoenix in the second and third innings as they scored six in the second and five in the third to get out to a double digit lead in the early goings of the game. Big swings came of the bats of Cumberland's Cole Turney and Tyler Stokes as both had two-homer games for the Phoenix on Sunday as Stokes homered in the second and third in the two-run and three-run variety then Turney had a pair of three-run shots in the third and fifth innings.

The offensive outburst from Cumberland spoiled the 2022 debut of Pride right-hander Jake Fiorito as he made his first appearance on the mound in two years due to injury as he pitched a scoreless first then was charged for five runs on four hits with three walks without getting an out in the second. The lone Clarke pitcher to throw a scoreless from was Brendan Boily who came in for the sixth inning allowing a hit and a walk but no runs.

On the mound for Cumberland, Daniel Alvarez earned the win throwing four scoreless innings with six strikeouts and only allowing three hits and three walks. Alex Smith and Ethan Torres closed out the final three innings for the Phoenix as they recorded seven of the nine outs via strikeout.

With the Pride offensive only being limited to a single run for the second-straight day, Victor Lara continued to swing it well as he had the only multi-hit day for Clarke, going 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot to bump his average up to .375 in the early part of the season.

Clarke will look to bounce back as they prepare for a return trip to Joplin, Mo. next weekend to face Jamestown, Mount Marty, and Midland next Saturday and Sunday.