Runs have not been flowing in Cincinnati this season. The Bearcats rank last in the American Athletic Conference in batting average (.248) and runs scored (195). However, the bats lit up on Tuesday night as the Bearcats slugged out an 11-8 victory over the Wright State Raiders, their second win against them this year.
It was quick start for the Bearcats, as center fielder R.J. Thompson singled to left field and was brought home on a two-run homer from right fielder A.J. Bumpass a batter later. Thompson then added a home run of his own in a four-run second inning and the Bearcats led 7-2 after only two innings.
However, the pitching didn’t really hold up. Midweek starter A.J. Olasz gave up four runs on as many hits and three walks before being pulled in the third inning. Cal Jarrett came in in relief and by relief I mean the opposite of it, as he was tagged with four runs in 1 1⁄3 innings. That allowed the Raiders to take an 8-7 lead after four innings.
Two quiet frames later and the Bearcats got to work at the plate again, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh and another in the eighth. Tristan Hammans tossed four scoreless innings to keep Wright State within striking distance and Cam Alldred and David Orndorff finished off the game, with Orndorff recording his seventh save of the season.
Thompson went 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. Bumpass blasted two hits in three at-bats and drove in three while scoring the same. Second baseman Jace Mercer went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored and Eric Santiago played first base and plated three during a 2-for-4 performance.
The win was a much needed one for the Bearcats (22-22), who also deated Wright State during the Joe Nuxhall Classic earlier this season. Before last night, UC had lost four of its last five games. The Bearcats are now on their way to facing Memphis in a three-game road series this weekend.
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