JACOBS FIELD | MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile Rams were back on the field Satruday as they closed out their home opener series against the Grizzlies of Georgia Gwinnett. With the Rams down 0-2 in the series following the Friday doubleheader, they looked to improve upon their performances and claim a big win in front of their home fans. However, a win was not to be for Mobile, as they were unable to top the #2 Grizzlies across the two games. Saturday's games were highlighted by the return of former Mobile Ram, and current Houston Astros Manager, Joe Espada as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch in front of a large crowd at Jacobs Field.
Game 1 - Mobile 6, Georgia Gwinnett 7
The first game of the day would be comprised of seven innings as Andin Bolen got the nod for starting pitcher for the Rams. His first two innings were swift and effortless, pitching two scoreless before letting up a run in the third. He would be replaced by Eli Smith who came in from center field. In the fourth inning, Dylan Moran singled to left field for an RBI and Eli Smith singled to center for an RBI as Dylan Moran came around to score. In the sixth, the Grizzlies scored 5 as Eli Smith gave up 3 runs and Macks Bishop gave up 2 runs. The bottom of the sixth inning was made by Trevor Murphy hitting a 3 RBI double off the left center wall to tie the ball game. Georgia Gwinnett would score one more in the top of the seventh, ultimately winning them the game as the Rams were unable to push any more runs across the plate.
Trevor Murphy had 2 hits and 3 RBIs while Eli Smith had 2 RBIs of his own with 3 hits. Damian Ortiz and Trevor Murphy both had doubles while Eli Smith had a triple.
Game 2 - Mobile 6, Georgia Gwinnett 13
The nightcap would go a full nine innings to close out the series between the two sides. The Rams would not get things off to an ideal start as starting pitcher Ethan McPherson allowed 2 earned runs, while a total of 6 runs scored for the Grizzlies in the first. The errors for Mobile would ultimately cost them in what was a close game until the ninth inning. RHP Kolby Jordan came in and pitched 4.1 scoreless innings. Mobile began climbing back out of a 6-0 deficit scoring 2 runs in the first and second innings and 2 more in the seventh. In the first inning, Ethan Hilpert had a 2 RBI double, scoring Colton Wood and Trevor Murphy. In the second inning, Eli Smith hit a ground ball to second base which scored an RBI and Wil King took off for home on a wild pitch. Dylan Moran hit an RBI in the seventh inning scoring Eli Smith and that was followed by Trevor Murphy who hit an RBI to score Dylan Moran. Heading into the final inning, it was a 7-6 game in favor of the Grizzlies, leaving the Rams with a good chance to walk things off in the bottom of the ninth, but the Mobile defense could hold on no more, allowing 6 runs and leaving the final score 13-6 in favor of the visitors.
Ethan Hilpert recorded 2 hits and 2 RBIs as Eli Smith, Dylan Moran and Trevor Murphy all had 1 RBI each. Trevor Murphy recorded 3 hits with a double and Ethan Hilpert also recorded a double.
Up Next for the Rams
The Rams will play in front of their home fans on Thursday against the Fire of Southeastern University. That series can be watched live, for free, on Urban Edge Network with first pitch scheduled for 3:00pm CT!
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence "For Christ & His Kingdom." With a vision to "Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World," the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
