LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- The Covenant baseball team could not get in a groove on Tuesday against non-conference opponent Berry losing 14-1 for their second straight loss.
The Scots are now sitting at 10-16 overall, while the Vikings are at 14-12.
Berry took the lead quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the first. Forrest Hunter picked up a hit in the bottom of the second, but the Scots didn't get another hit until Joel Johnson hit a two-out single in the bottom of the fourth. In the meantime, Berry scored two runs after Slade Dale knocked in two runners who had reached on walks to make it 4-0 Vikings.
In the top of the sixth, Vikings first baseman Kris Patel hit a towering two-run home run over the scoreboard in left field, and Berry scored again in the inning to go up 7-0. In the top of the seventh, Vikings second baseman Aaron Brooks hit a three-run homer to left-center field to drive the score up to 10-0.
The Scots finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh when Christian Murray hit a bases-loaded single to left field, bringing Hunter home to score. Covenant was held there, and Berry picked up four more runs in the top of the eighth to bring the score up to 14-1.
In the course of the game, 14 pitchers took the mound between the two teams. Grant Kierpa got the start for the Scots and picked up the loss, and now has a record of 0-3. Ben Copeland took over after Kierpa's 2.1 innings pitched. Copeland's 2.2 innings pitched was the most for any player of the game. After Copeland, the Scots were led on the mound by Sam Doherty, Ty Wilmore, Matt Herrin and Stephen Kegley, respectively.
The Vikings brought eight pitchers to the mound, starting with Austin Loper who went for 2.0 innings before being relieved. JP Chamblee (1-1) got the win in relief. Berry pitching allowed seven hits and only one walk.
Hunter picked up two hits in the loss and John Mitchell came in as a pinch-hitter and picked up his first collegiate hit. Berry's Dale ended with five RBIs and three hits to lead the Vikings offensively.
UP NEXT
The Scots will begin a three-game series against conference opponent Huntingdon on Friday on Lookout Mountain. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
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