Playing their last home game of the regular season on Tuesday, University Heights fell victim to a big third inning from visiting Hickman County in a 9-3 loss to the Falcons.
Hickman improves to 18-8 with three wins in four outings, while UHA slips to 12-20 with away games at Greenwood and Marshall County to wrap up the regular season schedule.
Micah Naranjo got a jump on a three-hit night with an RBI double in the first, but the Blazers answered with a run on a run-scoring single by Matthew Leeper in the bottom of the frame.
The Falcons pulled in front for good with a five spot in the third, including RBI singles by Kaleb Harper and Naranjo.
UHA starting pitcher Eston Glover handed off to Leeper to start the fifth after allowing six runs, five earned, on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Hickman added a run in the fifth to lead 7-1 before the Blazers made it interesting in the bottom of the inning. Nic Luckey and Seth Hancock both singled and came home on a fielder’s choice and a fly out to trim the margin to four.
The Blazers loaded the bases with one out in the sixth, but a fielder’s choice at home and a strikeout ended the threat.
After Leeper worked the fifth, Ben Stone took over on the mound and pitched around a walk and a single for a scoreless sixth. However, three singles and a double to start the seventh allowed the Falcons to add a couple of insurance runs.
Leeper allowed a run on no hits with a pair of walks and a strikeout. Stone allowed two earned runs on five hits and issued one walk.
Harper earned the win for Hickman, working six innings and surrendering three earned runs on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts.
Naranjo and Eli Prince each drove in two for the Falcons and Jackson Midyett was two for two at the plate.
Hancock was the only Blazer with two hits, with Ty Hunt, Glover, and Leeper each driving in a run.
