Lancers split with Pitt Community College

The Lenoir Community College Lancers split a doubleheader with the Pitt Community College Bulldogs. Despite falling short in a ninth-inning rally in Game 1, the Lancers bounced back to win Game 2, taking the season series against the Bulldogs 3-2 and maintaining their first-place position in the Division II East standings.

In Game 1 we saw the Lancers facing a 9-2 deficit entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Although they scored three runs in their final at-bats, Lenoir couldn’t overcome the lead, and Pitt claimed a 9-5 victory.

Head coach Gary Smith of Lenoir Community talked about his team’s performance, saying, “We battled in the first game; we know just how good Pitt is. We played flat, but we battled.”

In Game 2, the Lancers overcame early adversity, giving up six runs in the top half of the first inning before answering back with four runs of their own in the bottom half. Lenoir would pick up this big win, 9-6.

Lenoir’s bullpen played a crucial role in securing the win, with Brady Tucker pitching three and a third innings, allowing no hits and striking out four batters. The bullpen was able to keep the bulldogs off the scoreboard for five consectitive innings. Offensively, Tanner Cannon and Jacob Strimple led the charge for Lenoir, each contributing three RBIs in the game.

The Lancers’ head coach, Gary Smith, praised his team’s performance in the second game, saying, “We played a lot better this time. I told the guys between games to just have fun. I told them to remember that we can beat this team. The bullpen pitched really well to hang that many zeros versus this Pitt squad.”

Lenoir will play its last home game of the season on Sunday against Southeastern Community College-Whiteville (13-24). The Lancers are currently sitting in first place in the Division II East standings, and they will look to finish the season strong as they prepare for the playoffs.