Falcons Tame Tigers in Season Opener, 8-3

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Montevallo baseball team (1-0) picked up a big win in its season opener against Stillman College (0-1), 8-3. The Falcons used a strong defensive effort and timely hitting to capture the win. Senior Heath Tapscott (Hartselle, Ala./Hartselle) pitched five hitless innings while striking out four to pick up the win. Freshman Austin Dubberly (Helena, Ala./Pelham) was the star on offense picking up five RBI while hitting a pair of doubles and a triple.

Senior Chris Sosebee (Warrior, Ala./Sumiton Christian) was 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a homerun. He scored twice and drove in one run. Senior Andy Revell (Albertville, Ala./Albertville) picked up the other RBI as he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

Senior Justin Aaron (Morris, Ala./Mortimer Jordan) picked up a four-inning save as he struck out three while giving up just three hits.

The Falcons struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior Kevin Garcia (Vega Baja, Puerto Rico/Dunedin) singled through the right side. He then proceeded to steal second and third before a throwing error by the pitcher brought him across home plate. One batter later Sosebee hit his solo shot over the left field fence. After a pitching change senior Cory Luckie (Fairhope, Ala./Fairhope) reached base on an error by the first baseman. Revell then singled to the left field to move Luckie to second. Junior Joe Prokop (Verbena, Ala./Chilton County) was then hit by a pitch which left the bases loaded for Dubberly. Dubberly came through in the second at bat of his young collegiate career as he hit a double to right center that scored Luckie. Unfortunately Revell was gunned down at the plate to prevent the second RBI.

Two innings later the Falcons struck again as Revell hit a one out single through the left side and then was driven home by a Dubberly triple just one batter later.

Down 4-0 the Tigers of Stillman notched their first run and hit of the game in the seventh to cut the lead to just three. UM responded with four in the eighth which extended their lead to 8-1.

Sosebee led off the inning with a double and was followed by back-to-back singles from Revell and Luckie. Revell picked up an RBI on his single as he drove home Sosebee. Prokop was then hit for the second time to load the bases once again for Dubberly. Dubberly came through again with a double to right center that scored all three runners.

The Tigers scored two times in the ninth but that would be all they could muster as the Falcons won 8-3.

The Falcons will return to action tomorrow, Feb. 2 at 5:00 p.m. as they host the University of West Florida.