Rock Hill, S.C. – Marshall Baseball had a strong start in their game against Winthrop but couldn’t hold on, losing 11-7 at Founders Field. In the eighth inning, Marshall took a brief lead, but mistakes allowed Winthrop to pull ahead.
Coach Greg Beals noted a recurring issue: “We start strong, but then we get scared of losing. Teams need to play confidently.” This mindset seems crucial as they try to overcome their recent struggles.
Mason Onate helped put Marshall ahead in the eighth when he scored after a series of smart plays. Unfortunately, Winthrop capitalized on multiple hit batsmen and an error to turn the tide with a double that cleared the bases.
Beals emphasized the need to cut down on free passes. “We pride ourselves on pitching and defense, but that hasn’t been the case lately,” he said. This weekend, the team struggled with walks and errors, contributing to their defeat.
The game was a nail-biter, filled with lead changes. Early on, Evan Bottone tied the game with an infield single after Winthrop took a 6-5 lead. Earlier in the third inning, Ethan Murdoch hit a three-run home run, which initially gave Marshall the upper hand.
Bottone had a standout performance, going 3-for-4. His early contributions, including scoring the first two runs, energized the team. His next action saw him kicking off the four-run third inning with a triple.
As Marshall looks forward to their home opener against Butler on Friday at Jack Cook Field, Coach Beals is hopeful. “We need the comfort of our own ballpark to get back on track,” he said.
In contrast, Winthrop demonstrated resilience, showing how quick a game can shift with just a few critical moments. This serves as a reminder that confidence and execution are vital in sports. Marshall has a chance to learn from this game and return stronger.
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