Dawgs drop TSC opener to Freed

HENDERSON — Cumberland's TranSouth Conference season got off to an inauspicious start Friday night as host Freed-Hardeman jumped to an early lead in a 7-5 victory at Carnes Field.
The Lions chased CU starter Karl Mejholm with six runs [four earned] in the first 1 2/3 innings. The senior right-hander had an earned-run average of 0.69 with two victories before Freed got three hits and got hit three times.
Matt Madigan pitched an inning before Aaron Tant tossed the final 5 1/3 frames with eight strikeouts. But the damage had been done as the Dawgs, who committed four errors, dropped to 8-6-1.
Former Lebanon High standout Justin Forrest, off to a hot senior season for Freed, went 1-for-3 with a run scored, two walks and two stolen bases from the leadoff spot. Martin Lykins drove in three runs and Brian Bullard two.
Another ex-Blue Devil, left-hand pitcher Bart Cherry, earned an official 'hold' with two innings of middle relief of starter and winner Josh Hester [5-0]. Cherry allowed a hit and two walks while striking out two. Kirk Shoemate tossed the final 2 1/3 innings for the save as the Lions moved to 12-4 for the season.
Cumberland outhit Freed 9-8 with leadoff batter Courtney Propst hitting his first home run of the season for the Bulldogs. Eric Mull drove in two runs on as many hits. CU scored three times in the fifth to draw within 7-4 and added a run in the eighth.
The teams will wrap up their three-game series today with a noon double header.