Augusta, GA- It was a tough road trip for the Big Blues as they wrapped up their series with Paine College for the weekend. On Saturday the teams played a double header of 7 innings a piece, with BSC losing 5-1 and 10-2. On Sunday the teams finished the series, Paine coming out on top 7-6.

In the first game of the series, Isaac Koontz took to the mound for the Big Blues. The right hander was rattled early as Paine was able to score 3 in the bottom of the first inning. But after, the freshman settled down giving up only 2 more runs for the rest of his time on the mound, including a scoreless 2^nd and 4^th inning. The Blues only run came in the top of the 6^th innings after a series of wild pitches by the Lions pitcher. After Chaz Rutherford singled he was pinch run for by Peyton Durham. That's when a series a wild pitches happened that allowed Peyton to eventually score. First Sean Williams was hit by a pitch letting Peyton reach second. Then both runners advanced on a wild pitch when Justin Bowler at the plate. With Justin still in the box another wild pitch happened and Peyton was able to score. When Peyton scored the inning started looking promising for the Blues. Chase Chambers was hit by a pitch and the based end up being loaded with 2 out. But the Lions pitching came through in the end and Boston New struck out, ending the inning. The Big Blues were unable to muster any more runs in the 7^th and the game ended 5-1.

Game 2 of the series really saw Paine's bats come alive. It was a tough outing for both Tanner Muovich and Will Kapke as both pitchers gave up 5 runs apiece. Tanner started the game and pitched 4 innings, walking 5 and striking out 3. Will came on in relief and pitched 2 innings walking 2, striking out 3 but conceding a homerun. BSC was able to get one back in the top of the 5^th when Cody Underwood singled scoring Sam Harris from second. The next run came an inning later when Chase Chambers drove in Justin Bowler from 3^rd. But the Lions were able to pitch a shutout 7^th and the game ended 10-2.

Game 3, was a full 9 innings and, saw Tyler Frazier take the mound for BSC and was matched by Quentin Alsbrook of Paine. Paine was able to jump on Tyler early, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. Tyler settled down a little bit as Paine only scored 4 more through the 4.2 innings that Tyler was still in the game. Tyler's day ended with 3 walks, 4 strikeouts and 3 earned runs.

The Big Blue ended up down 6-0 through 6 innings. But that's when things turned around for the Big Blues and their bats came alive. The Blues starting putting the ball in play and forcing Paine's defense to make plays and the Big Blues capitalized on their errors. The Blues got 2 runs in the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th innings to battle all the way back. But Paine was able to plate one more run in the 7^th and the Big Blues came up just short by a final of 7-6.

The Big Blues will be back on the road on Wednesday, Feb. 17^th at Tusculum. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Check back here for updates on this game and all series throughout the season.