Spartanburg Baseball Team Faces Challenges in Season Opener
Spartanburg, South Carolina – February 17, 2024
The Bucknell baseball team kicked off their 2024 season with a doubleheader in Spartanburg, South Carolina, facing off against Towson and Wofford. Despite putting up a strong offensive performance, the Bison suffered setbacks in both games, falling 14-3 to Towson and 17-9 to Wofford at King Field.
Offensive Highlights and First Collegiate Hits
Throughout the day, Bucknell showcased their offensive prowess with a total of 22 hits. The games marked the first collegiate hits for junior players Matt Alexander, Brady Karp, as well as freshmen Chris Morabito, Luke Nascimento, and Andrew Swenson. All-Patriot League third baseman Sean Keys also made an impact, reaching base multiple times and launching a two-run homer in the first inning of the second game against Wofford.
Defensive Struggles and Pitching Issues
Despite their offensive output, the Bison faced challenges on the defensive front. The team made a total of eight errors during the day, resulting in 12 unearned runs for their opponents. Pitching also proved to be a hurdle, with the Bucknell pitchers issuing a total of 21 walks throughout the doubleheader. In six out of the seven innings where runs were scored against them, the opponents managed to score three or more runs.
Tough Losses to Towson and Wofford
In the first game against Towson, the Bison struggled to contain the Tigers’ offense, ultimately falling 14-3. Towson capitalized on early opportunities, scoring heavily in the first and third innings to secure the victory. Despite a strong offensive effort from players like Sean Keys and Nic Adamo, Bucknell couldn’t overcome Towson’s lead.
The second game against Wofford saw the Bison showcasing their young talent with four freshmen in the starting lineup. While Bucknell started strong with an early lead, Wofford staged a comeback, scoring seven runs in the third inning and eventually securing a 17-9 win. Freshmen Andrew Swenson and Luke Nascimento impressed with their hitting performances, but defensive lapses proved costly for the Bison.
Looking Ahead
With one more game remaining on their opening weekend trip to South Carolina, the Bucknell baseball team is focused on regrouping and aiming for a strong finish. The Bison will have a rematch against Towson on Sunday morning, looking to bounce back from their opening day setbacks and secure a win to kickstart their season.
As the Bucknell baseball team navigates the challenges of the early season, they remain determined to learn from their mistakes, shore up their defense, and showcase their offensive capabilities in the games to come.