BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - Goshen and Union wrapped up their opening 2023 series on Sunday evening at Colonel Sanders Field with two wins for the Bulldogs. Union won game one 6-0 before scoring a couple of late runs to defeat GC 7-5 in game two.

Ethan Warren was the star of the show for the Bulldogs in game one. The freshman from California got the start and gave up just two hits in five innings pitched. He struck out seven while not allowing any walks or runs. Dylan Hetzler threw the final two innings for Union and didn't allow any hits.

The two Maple Leafs hits came via a double from Morgan Baker and a single from Peyton Smith. Union scored two runs in the first, two in the fourth, and two more in the fifth. Luke Powell reached base on an error in the first that scored an unearned run and later hit a solo home run in the fourth. Logan Romasanta had an RBI single in the first and scored a run in the fifth. Also in the fifth, Luke Ledington singled, advanced to second on the throw, moved to third on an error and scored on a wild pitch.

Only three of the six Union runs were earned runs. Preston Anderson took the loss for GC, allowing two earned runs and four walks in four innings. AJ Lenn allowed one run in two innings pitched, striking out three batters.

Goshen scored as many runs in the fourth game as the first three games of the series combined, but got in a hole early and lost 7-5.

Joseph Cerda hit an RBI single in the first inning, which scored leadoff hitter Nate Lange. However, the Bulldogs used powerful hitting in the bottom of the first to take control. Angel Mendoza homered to left field, followed by a two-run shot from Luke Powell to right. Next, Nick Martinez tripled to right center, which scored Logan Romasanta. Goshen starter Peyton Smith left the game after one inning pitched.

The Leafs got one run back in the second when Trent Sillett hit an RBI single to right to score Preston Anderson. Union scored an unearned run in the bottom of the second on a wild pitch with David Lopez on the mound. Lopez settled in though, and didn't allow any runs over the next three innings.

The Maple Leafs capitalized on the opportunity by adding three more runs to tie the game.

Trent Sillett connected again on a single to center that scored Chris Godden and Preston Anderson in the fourth. Then in the top of the sixth, Nate Lange hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Anderson. Anderson was 2-2 with a single, a double, and three runs scored.

With the game now tied at five, the Bulldogs ended their scoring drought in the bottom of the sixth. David Mitchell hit a two-run homer to left to put the home team up 7-5. The Leafs had three consecutive swinging strikeouts in the top of the seventh to end the game.

David Lopez kept GC in contention with five solid innings on the mound. The sophomore struck out five and walked two while allowing two earned runs. Trent Sillett batted in three runs off of his two singles. Chris Godden went 2-3 with a double and a run scored. The first inning proved to be the most difficult for the Maple Leafs over the last three games of the series. 11 of Union's 27 runs in those games were scored in the first.

Goshen's next trip will be to Georgia to take on Toccoa Falls College on February 10 and 11. There will be one game on Friday at 2:00 pm followed by a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11:00 am.