Gloomy weather didn't keep the Georgia Highlands Baseball team from hosting a mid week doubleheader with Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday. Instead, the Chargers moved the game up a few hours and came out swinging, tallying 20 runs on the afternoon powered by 13 extra base hits including 3 home runs.
A strong outing by freshman righthander Jacob Ryan kept Tennessee Wesleyan's bats quiet while GHC's offense built an early lead punctuated by a 405 foot homer to dead center field by infielder Palmer Sapp. While Ryan fanned 10 in 5 shutout innnings of work to earn the win, the Charger lineup ran rampant on the basepaths and plated 9 runs in the contest. Hunter Moody and Mason List held serve in the last two frames to close out a 9-0 victory.
In game two Highlands would get off to a strong start when Trace Twardoski belted his first home run of the year, a grand slam that was sent towering over the left field wall. Chase Townsend made his debut on the mound for GHC and was solid over 3 innings of work (3.0IP 3H 1ER 2BB 4K) before giving way to Griffin Brown and Ryan Smithson, who combined to allow just 1 baserunner the rest of the game. Freshman outfielder Max Kops had a banner day at the plate, going 4 for 4 at the plate with 3 doubles, a homerun, 3 RBI's and 4stolen bases. Townsend got credit for the W, and the Chargers improve to 5-0 on the season. They will be back in action this Saturday when they host Volunteer State in a 3 game series at Lakepoint. First pitch for the doubleheader on Saturday is 1PM, and Sunday's game will begin at 3PM.