Indians win one, lose one at Lumen Christi’s invite

TECUMSEH — A win and a loss was recorded by Tecumseh’s varsity baseball team on Saturday, May 14, at Lumen Christi’s Invitational. The Indians lost the first game 7-6 against Mattawan in an extended eight-inning game and beat Michigan Center 7-3.

In the first game, Spencer Cowen started on the hill and pitched 5-2/3 innings. He gave up six runs, two earned, on nine hits while walking three and striking out four.

Will Sparrow recorded the loss after pitching 2-1/3 innings. He gave up one unearned run on one hit, a walk and hit a batter while striking out one.

Coach Tom Bullinger said that the Indians had a bad inning against Mattawan where there were two throwing errors, one with the bases loaded that would have gotten the Indians out of the inning without allowing a run. A triple by the following batter tied the game. Bullinger said Sparrow went in on relief and got Tecumseh the out it needed and then the Indians’ offense followed by leaving three base runners stranded in the seventh inning. An error in the eighth inning with two outs ended the game with a runner at third base.

“We are giving away too many games and we can’t do that against good teams,” Bullinger said. “We need to start playing with a sense of urgency and with intensity in our last few weeks to get us ready for the post season.”

Tecumseh’s offense was led by Sam Benschoter (2-for-2, double, 3 runs), Trey Mitchell (2-for-4, 2 runs) and Jordan Patterson (2-for-4, double).

Tecumseh coach Bullinger started Aaron Luci on the mound in game two and he earned the win after pitching five innings. He allowed three runs on three hits and four walks.

“We scored first in the first game, extended the lead and then answered back when they tied the game. That is something we have not done in a while and it was great to see,” Bullinger said.

Sparrow (1ip) and Benschoter (1ip, 1BB, 3K’s) pitched in relief for the Indians.

Tecumseh was led at the plate by Benschoter (3-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs), Tanner Fugate (3-for-3, 3 runs) and Mitchell (3-for-4).

Tecumseh followed by sweeping Adrian in a doubleheader on Monday.

Tecumseh won a tight 5-4 game to start the evening with Benschoter (7ip, 4 runs, 3 earned, 6 hits, 4 BB, 13 K’s) pitching the win.

Benschoter had just one hit, a three run home run, and got on base two times by being walked. Jakob Shadley (double) and Jordan Patterson each went 2-for-4 to help pick up the win.

The second game lasted just five innings with the Indians winning 14-1 with Dylan Smith (5ip, 1 run, 1 hit, 3 BB, 1 K) pitching.

Lukas Coker went 4-for-4, (double, 3 RBI, 2 runs) for Tecumseh while Benschoter (2 run HR, double, 4 RBI), Shadley (2 runs, double, 3 RBI) and Mitchell (2 runs) each went 3-for-4. Luci went 2-for-4 (2 runs) and Drew Cameron added a double.

Tecumseh is now 18-7 overall and 10-3 in the SEC.

On Wednesday, May 11, the Indians were beat 7-0 by Dexter.

Smith (4ip, 3 runs, 6 hits, 2 BB, 4 K’s) recorded the loss on the hill. Will Sparrow (3ip, 4 runs, 1 earned, 4 hits, 2 BB, 1 K) pitched in relief.

Tecumseh’s offense had just two hits.

“We didn’t come out and play like a championship team,” said Bullinger. “There was a lot on the line for this game and you couldn’t tell it from our dugout. Dexter played harder and deserved to win. I take the blame in not having them emotionally ready to play today.”