Game 1: Christian Brothers Opens Season with Commanding 13-4 Victory Over Lincoln (MO)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Feb. 1, 2025) — Christian Brothers University opened its 2025 baseball season in dominant fashion, securing a 13-4 victory over Lincoln (MO) at Nadicksbernd Field on Saturday afternoon. The Buccaneers showcased their offensive firepower, collecting 17 hits and capitalizing on six Lincoln errors to cruise to a comfortable win.

Christian Brothers (1-0) jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in the first inning before adding three more in the second. The Buccaneers continued to pile on throughout the game, scoring in all but one inning. The offensive outburst was highlighted by home runs from senior Andrew Reed and senior Cory Steinhauer, who both turned in multi-hit performances.

Reed led the way at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. Steinhauer matched that energy with a 3-for-5 outing, driving in three runs and also swiping two bags. Sophomore Jalen Smith contributed a pair of hits and two RBIs, while Sam Walker had a strong day as well, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored.

On the mound, Christian Brothers received a strong outing from starter Cameron Olivo. The right-hander went six innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out nine. Reliever Lawson Ryan took over in the later frames, delivering three solid innings while holding the Blue Tigers to one run to earn the save.

Lincoln (0-1) managed seven hits on the afternoon, but its six errors proved costly. Third baseman Andy Sreboski and first baseman Jayden Little were bright spots for the Blue Tigers, with Little blasting two home runs and driving in three of Lincoln's four runs.

Despite a two-run first inning from Lincoln, Christian Brothers quickly took control in the bottom half and never looked back. The Buccaneers extended their lead with a three-run second, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting. They later tacked on three more in the sixth and sealed the win with a pair of runs in the eighth.

Game Notes:

• Christian Brothers recorded 17 hits, while Lincoln finished with seven.
• The Buccaneers stole seven bases, compared to two for Lincoln.
• Lincoln's pitching staff issued only two walks but struggled with command, allowing four wild pitches.

Game 2: Christian Brothers Rallies Late to Edge Lincoln (MO), 3-2

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Feb. 1, 2025) — Christian Brothers University secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lincoln (MO) on Saturday at Nadicksbernd Field, using late-inning heroics to remain unbeaten early in the season.

Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the fifth, the Buccaneers (2-0) scratched across a run in the frame before tying the game in the seventh. A clutch ninth-inning rally sealed the win, as Jackson Licata's sacrifice fly brought home the decisive run.

Pitching Dominance and Late-Game Execution

Christian Brothers' pitching staff was dominant, holding Lincoln (0-2) to just six hits while striking out 13 batters. Starter Chris Faoro turned in a solid performance, tossing five innings while allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five. Eli Potter was untouchable in relief, producing four no-hit innings, to earn the win in his collegiate debut. He sat down four batters to stifle Lincoln's chances.

On the offensive side, Christian Brothers managed just five hits, but timely execution made the difference. Senior Andrew Reed drove in a run with a two-out single in the seventh to tie the game, while Licata's sacrifice bunt in the ninth put Will Gossett in position for the game-winning run.

Lincoln Strikes First, But CBU Responds

Lincoln broke the scoreless tie in the third inning, pushing two runs across behind a pair of hits and a defensive miscue by the Buccaneers. The Blue Tigers' starter, Drake Davidson, kept Christian Brothers off balance for the first four innings, but the Bucs adjusted in the later innings.

In the fifth, Nick Petruzzello drew a walk and later came around to score on Licata's sacrifice fly, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Two innings later, Reed delivered his clutch RBI hit, a single through the right side of the infield, to bring the game level.

With the game tied 2-2 entering the ninth, Christian Brothers put together a decisive rally. Licata placed a sacrifice bunt down to move Gossett to third base. A wild pitch then allowed Gossett to score the game-winning run.

Game Notes:

• Pitching Performance: CBU's staff combined for 13 strikeouts while issuing just two walks.
• Defensive Excellence: Both teams played error-free baseball in a cleanly executed game.
• Timely Hitting: The Buccaneers recorded only five hits but capitalized on their opportunities, going 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
• Key Contributions: Reed finished 1-for-4 with an RBI, Licata went 2-for-2 with a stolen base, and Petruzzello scored a crucial run in the fifth.

Christian Brothers will look to continue their strong start as they wrap up the series against Lincoln tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for noon.