WCU Baseball: Home-Opener, opening win

*Published on the Western Carolina Journalist*

The Cats with Bats have swung into motion picking up a 6-2 win from the Opening Day game against Morehead State University.

The Left Field Lunatics waiting for the Cats to do their victory lap around the field, after the victory.
Photo by Becca Ross.

Coming off of a loss the previous weekend against ECU, the WCU baseball team was ready for action on a packed Tuesday afternoon in Cullowhee.

Western had a couple of runs early but really set it off in the bottom of the seventh inning after a two-run RBI double by Justice Bigbie.

“The feeling of the first home victory was awesome. The crowd today definitely added a home-field advantage and the Left Field Lunatics were great as always. It’s so fun to play in front of that crowd and its great to get a win”, says senior, catcher, Spencer Holcomb.

Notable player of the game, Matthew Koehler, had his first season home run after a rocky first few at bats. This sent the score into a 6-2 lead.

Senior Pitcher Jake Niezen who took the win in the home opener.
Photo by Becca Ross

Senior, right-handed pitcher, Jake Niezen took home the win in relief for lefty, senior pitcher, Corey Sikes.

Transfer pitcher from Spartanburg Methodist, Chase Walter, came in to close the game with a strikeout.

The first of eight home series will be this weekend Feb. 23 with the first pitch at 4 p.m.