J.D. Robertson, a freshman infielder from Smyrna (Photo by Jeff Reed Photography)
J.D. Robertson lined a double down the first base line in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring Josh Bankston who opened the inning being hit by a pitch, and the Motlow Bucks beat the Volunteer State Pioneers 6-5 Sunday afternoon at the Driver Baseball Complex.
The Bucks (14-24, 4-11) needed the win to salvage the final game of the three-game series against their Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) rivals. Volunteer State swept Saturday’s doubleheader 14-3 and 11-3.
Motlow will go on the road this coming weekend when they travel to Cleveland for a three-game series against TCCAA opponent Cleveland State.
Sunday’s win was even more impressive for Motlow considering the Bucks took a 5-2 lead into the ninth inning before the visitors rallied for three runs to tie the score. A hit batter and three errors almost cost the Bucks, but Robertson’s heroics saved the day.
J.R. Gilmer (1-1) got the win for Motlow by getting the final two outs in the eighth and pitching through the ninth. Connor Boyd got the start for the Bucks and was impressive, allowing only six hits and two runs with five strikeouts through seven innings. R.J. Moore and Bryce Bub pitched in the eighth before Gilmer came in to complete the win.
Peyton Meeker and Robertson each had two hits for the Bucks, who broke a 2-2 tie with a run in the sixth. Hunter Nance led off with a long double and Meeker singled him home, increasing his team-leading RBI total to 38. Motlow added two more runs in the bottom of the eighth as Nance walked, Meeker singled, Casey Wehrhahn doubled to drive in Nance and Cameron Isley added a double which drove in Meeker.
Saturday’s doubleheader was a different story as the Pioneers rolled into the Driver Baseball Complex with their bats swinging. Defense continued to be an issue for the Bucks as they committed 10 errors during Saturday’s 12 innings of action.
Motlow managed only five hits in game one while Volunteer State was slamming three home runs. Meeker went 3-4 in game two and had a double. The sophomore first baseman from Manchester is hitting .350 on the year with seven doubles, nine home runs and 38 RBI.
Spencer Mossburg had a double in each game and continues to lead the Bucks in hitting with a .383 average. Motlow’s next home contest will be Monday, Apr. 11, when the Cumberland University JV visit for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
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