Lebanon, Tenn. — February baseball isn't about comfort. It's about clarity. Long bus rides. Cold air. Early first pitches. Quality opponents. These weekends are less about the box score and more about discovery — about identifying what needs sharpening before the intensity and volume of the Florida spring break trip. With a week of concentrated training looming, the Saints headed back to Tennessee to battle Cumberland, knowing every inning was an evaluation.
Cumberland 11, Aquinas 0 (Game 1)
Game one served as a reminder of just how demanding the early season can be against a program that consistently competes at a national level.
Cumberland struck early with two runs in the first inning and steadily added on throughout the afternoon. The Saints managed three hits — one each from Eric Bryce, JT LaMange, and Kaden Edwards — but were unable to generate sustained offense.
Hudson Lubbers got the start on the mound and worked through three innings, competing in the zone and challenging hitters. Ethan Bowen followed in relief and battled through the middle innings before Aidan Schauss closed things out with a clean frame.
Defensively, Aquinas avoided errors and worked to limit extended damage, but Cumberland capitalized on extra-base hits and timely swings. The Saints struck out ten times at the plate and struggled to string together quality at-bats in key moments.
Stephen Weinert was hit by a pitch, Edwards swiped a base, and LaMange continued to compete through his plate appearances, but big innings were hard to come by.
Cold temperatures and early-season timing often expose areas that need refinement. Saturday's opener highlighted those growth points.
The final read 11–0.
But the body language in the dugout suggested a group far from discouraged.
They had another game to play.
Aquinas 4, Cumberland 3 (Game 2)
If game one tested resolve, game two revealed response.
The Saints flipped the narrative in the nightcap, earning a gritty 4–3 victory behind pitching execution and timely offense.
Sam Pollack delivered five strong innings to open the game, attacking hitters and keeping Cumberland's lineup quiet early. His composure on the mound allowed Aquinas to settle into the rhythm of the contest.
In the third inning, the Saints manufactured two runs. Zachary Hayes sparked the inning and was replaced by pinch runner Jaden Bozek, who later came around to score. Bryce executed a sacrifice bunt that brought home a pair, showcasing the small-ball discipline that will be vital throughout the season.
The seventh inning proved decisive.
Chase Robinson drew a walk, JT LaMange singled, and Blake Bennett's pinch-running added pressure. Mason Ruether delivered an RBI single, and Brodie Gregory followed with a run-scoring fielder's choice as Aquinas pushed the lead to 4–0.
Bozek and Gregory each applied pressure on the bases, swiping bags and forcing Cumberland to rush throws.
The home team rallied with three runs late, but the Saints never wavered.
Walker Brockie and Ethan Bowen provided key relief work, and Travis Weide shut the door to secure the one-run victory.
LaMange and Gregory each collected two hits, Ruether delivered a critical RBI, and Hayes added a base knock of his own. Ruston Whitten chipped in offensively as well.
It was tight. It was tense. It was February baseball at its best.
From a shutout loss to a one-run win in a matter of hours — that's growth.
Heading Home Early
Even in Tennessee, the weather is no guarantee. Sunday's scheduled third game was canceled due to extreme wind and cold temperatures, and perhaps a desire to watch Team USA win the gold in hockey, ok, I made up the third one, but unfortunately, AQ returned home at approximately 3:00 AM Sunday morning.
It's back to Alksnis for practice on Monday.
Inside the Numbers
• 3 hits in game one for the Saints
• 5 strong innings from Sam Pollack in game two
• 2 hits each from JT LaMange and Brodie Gregory
• 4 pitchers combined to secure the game two victory
• 1 gritty one-run win that defines February progress
Coach's Comments
Following the doubleheader, Manager Chris LaMange summarized where this team stands entering the final tune-up before Florida:
"Real big win for the Saints in game two today against a very good program that is traditionally in the top 20 every year in the NAIA. Our pitching staff really stepped up and we were able to control an offensive lineup that is very good. It's nice to see the progress we're making in February, which is tough when you have long bus trips and questionable weather to deal with — and winning tight games by one run is always a key to having a successful season."
Up Next
Aquinas has one more tune-up doubleheader prior to departing for Florida and the Spring Break training trip. The Saints will head to the Windy City on Sunday, March 1, to challenge St. Xavier.
Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live stats, full coverage, and postgame recaps from around Aquinas Athletics.
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