MADISONVILLE, Tenn. – The Grace College baseball team traveled to Hiwassee College to play its first doubleheader of the 2018 season.

Grace could not catch a break in either game. The team was unable to get their offense going in either contest, only putting up one run in each game.

The Lancers (0-2) had several chances to take control of game one of Friday’s contest, but they didn’t have any luck. Hiwassee (4-1) came out on top 4-1.

Austin Baker started the game with a leadoff walk and stolen base to give Grace a runner in scoring position with no outs. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch; however, he would be stranded there.

Aaron Voirol took the mound for his first appearance this season. Two hits to start the inning gave the Tigers a quick 1-0 lead. Another run after a fielder’s choice made the score 2-0. Voirol began to find a rhythm in second, striking out three batters.

Hunter Ackerman started the fourth inning off with a bang. A solo shot over the left field fence cut Hiwassee’s lead in half. The Tigers bounced back after an error allowed a runner to advance to third with one out. This set up a sacrifice fly to center, increasing their lead to 3-1.

Hiwassee took advantage of another Lancer error during the fifth frame. The error, followed by a stolen base, set up a single that extended the Tigers lead to 4-1.

Grace had an opportunity to tie the game in the final inning. A walk by Gabe Douglass and CJ Trevino’s first collegiate hit set the table for the Lancers, giving them runners on second and third with no outs. However, Hiwassee slammed the door shut earning the 4-1 win.

Ackerman and Douglass had the best offensive showing for Grace in game one. They each had a hit and drew a walk. Voirol had a solid outing. He pitched 5.2 innings giving up two earned runs on six hits. Inconsistent defense cost the Lancers who had four errors behind him.

Game two was a mostly one-sided affair. Hiwassee put up two runs in the first inning and never looked back. The Lancers found themselves playing from behind early in the game.

The Tigers added another run to their lead in the third thanks to clutch two-out hitting. Hiwassee did more damage with two-outs in the fourth; this made the score 4-0.

The Lancers struggled to get anything going at the plate. Grace did not get their first baserunner until the top of the fifth. Their first hit came from Ackerman in the top of the seventh inning.

Hiwassee continued to pile on, increasing its lead to 8-0 in the seventh inning. Grace’s lone bright spot offensively came on an RBI double from Will Swisher in the top of ninth. The Lancers worked the bases loaded in the inning, but the Tigers limited the damage to one run. Hiwassee came out on top 8-1.

Ackerman and Swisher accounted for Gra+ce’s only two hits in the second game. Houston Haney made his first collegiate pitching appearance. He started the game, pitching 3.2 innings while striking out seven. Haney exited the game with three earned runs on four hits.

Scottie Clark pitched two innings of relief. He found himself in a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning. He was able to come away unscathed in the inning. He gave up just one hit..

Grace will travel to Portsmouth, Ohio, next week to take on Shawnee State in a Saturday doubleheader. First pitch of game one will take place at 12 p.m.