LEE FLAMES’ Corey Davis had two hits, three RBIs and scored once in the win over Point Park on Saturday. The Flames are back in action today against No. 3 Oklahoma City.
In 2008 the Flames handed the Stars a 6-5 defeat, but lost a pair of games in the final rounds to host Lewis-Clark State and settled for a second-place finish.
In the other winner’s bracket games on Monday, Tennessee Wesleyan will go against a Rogers State (Okla.) team that upset No. 1-seed LSU-Shreveport on Saturday. Earlier in the day Point Park (Pa.) will face S.C. Beaufort and LSU-S takes on Lewis-Clark in a pair of loser’s bracket contest.
“Oklahoma City will provide our biggest test thus far in 2012,” said coach Mark Brew after his team’s workout on Sunday. “They have good power throughout the lineup and bring a pitching staff that is much better than coach (Denny) Crabaugh’s past teams. We need a strong pitching performance out of (lefty) Patrick Merkling and we need to continue to provide solid defense.”
Brew adds that his club will need to continue the clutch hitting that was provided in the tournament opener against Point Park. “I really like the way the top two and the bottom part of our lineup swung the bat on Saturday. However, we will need (Blake) Barber and (Roberto) Reyes to provide a spark in the middle of our lineup. It is a big game for both teams as we seek to advance to the winner’s bracket final.”
The Lee coach took a look at the overall bracket after the first two days of play. “I think the LSU-Shreveport and Lewis-Clark State match will be a good one. Word is Shreveport has three or four quality pitchers, so they may have what it takes to climb out of the loser’s bracket.”
The Flames will also be taking a close look at the Rogers State and TWC match up. “Rogers State is hot right now and playing with a lot of emotion but TWC has a strong offensive team, so it should make for a good game and another great day of baseball in Lewiston.”
A Lee victory would place the Flames in the winner’s bracket final on Tuesday at 9:30. A loss would mean a 3 p.m. start on Tuesday.
