FEBRUARY 18– Covenant Baseball has officially begun the 2023 season with opening day being this past Saturday, February 18. The Scots are off to a strong start, defeating Bob Jones by a score of 16-2 in one nine-inning game. The win over the weekend moves Covenant into a 1-0 record to start the season. 
 
Coming off of a 22-19 record in the 2022 season, Covenant looks to continue their success entering a new conference. Displaying a quick start in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game, the Scots ended the first inning of play for the year leading 8-0. 
 
The early momentum generated by the Scots lasted throughout the duration of the game, with Covenant totaling 20 hits and four walks. Scoring in five of the eight innings in which they came to the plate, the Scots continuously displayed an immediate comfort and readiness on offense. 
 
The Scots were led on offense by a multitude of outstanding performances for the day. Sophomore Scotty Smith, the designated-hitter for the matchup, went 3-4 with a double, three RBIs, and a walk.  
 
Senior Kenny Mills and junior Chase McBryar, both of whom were in the outfield for the Scots, also had stellar offensive showings. Mills finished 2-5 at the plate, launching Covenant's first home run of the season in his second at bat of the game. McBryar was also 3-4 at the plate, tallying two doubles and two RBIs. 
 
Junior Bryce Bollinger earned the win on the mound for the Scots, pitching four total innings and giving up only one run on six hits and five strikeouts. Junior Zach Tolleson came in to relieve at the beginning of the fifth inning, ending his day with four innings pitched, one run, four hits, and two strikeouts. Kenny Mills was then brought in to close the game out for the Scots in the ninth, giving up zero runs and zero hits in his one inning on the mound. 
 
The largely new lineup for the Scots seemed to show clear chemistry from the first pitch, and the massive lead built up throughout the game allowed for many first-time players to make their Covenant debut. Sophomore Ben Johnson and freshmen Kolby Kimberly and Carson Ragland all made their first-ever appearances for the Scots in Saturday's season opener. 



UP NEXT
Following the victory over Bob Jones, the Scots will look to prepare for a weekend series against MUW. The series will consist of three home games for Covenant, one of which will be on Friday (2:00 PM) while the other two will both be played on Saturday (starting at 12:00 PM).