LEWISTON, Idaho – Lee University wound up the NAIA baseball runner-up for the second time in three years, with a third-place finish in between, as the Flames’ ninth-inning rally fell short Thursday night against fellow Tennessee team Cumberland University.
The second-seeded Bulldogs edged the No. 4 Flames 4-3 after All-American pitcher Aaron Wilkerson took a 4-0 lead into the last inning. His catcher, David Fanshawe, hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and a two-run single in the fifth off Matthew Gilson, who struck out seven batters in 5 2/3 innings but lost for the first time in 11 decisions this season.
Lee All-American Junior Rodriguez began the Flames’ last-chance at-bat with a walk but was forced at second base on Jose Cuevas’ bloop that fell in the outfield. Edgar Molina then singled and Michael Brown from Hixson – and Baylor School – blasted a three-run home run. Seth Walker singled to left field to get the tying run on base, but Taylor Comford bounced back to Wilkerson (14-1) for a game-ending double play.
Leadoff man JJ Costantino, another All-American, and Molina each was 2-for-4 for Lee (52-13).
NAIA player of the year Matt Greener and Dave Weyer each was 2-for-4 and All-American Kris Miller and Fanshaw each was 2-for-5 for Cumberland (58-9), which also won the 2004 NAIA title under longtime coach Woody Hunt.