Falcons see series go Navy's way following doubleheader sweep

KINSTON, N.C.- After taking the first game of the three-game Freedom Classic over Navy on Friday, Air Force was unable to pick up either of the two games in today's doubleheader, first losing 5-1 and then 2-1 against the Midshipmen.

"Everyone says pitching and defense wins games, but you also have to score to win," said head coach Mike Kazlausky. "We have the offensive firepower, but we've underachieved the last two weeks."

GAME ONE (Air Force 1, Navy 5)
The Air Force lineup produced just one extra-base hit in the first game of today's doubleheader, as a late-inning surge from Navy proved too much to overcome in a 5-1 loss.

Rob Martin gave the Falcons 3.2 solid innings in his second start of 2022, allowing just one run on three hits. His line included two walks and two strikeouts. Jake Sansing was hit the loss after entering in the 5th inning, as the junior allowed two runs, two hits, and a walk after recording just one out.

Sam Kulasingam was 2-4 with a pair of singles, while Cayden Zimmerman finished 1-3, as his 5th inning RBI single resulted in the Falcons only run of the game. Gabriel Garcia was 1-4, having produced the lone extra-base hit for the Falcons following his double in the 1st inning.

Navy began the 2nd inning with a single and a double, as the Midshipmen eventually took a 1-0 lead following an RBI groundout later in the frame. The Falcons countered in the top of the 5th to tie the game with Zimmerman's single. However, Navy's half of the 5th began with a triple, a walk, and a go-ahead RBI double.

Dylan Rogers relieved Sansing after the first three batters reached, with the freshman inducing a sacrifice fly before before finding a punch out a to end the inning.

Trailing 3-1 entering the 6th, Air Force saw a Navy solo home run and eventual RBI double pad the Midshipmen lead to 5-1. The Falcons were retired in order in the top of the 7th to wrap up Game One.

GAME TWO (Navy 2, Air Force 1)
The Falcons managed only three hits in the second game of the afternoon doubleheader, as Air Force couldn't grab the decisive rubber game with Navy, losing 2-1.

Seungmin Shim was again efficient over the course of five innings on the mound, surrendering just two runs on three hits. Sawyer Hawks and Doyle Gehring combined to toss two clean innings out of the bullpen.

Kulasingam was 1-2, scoring Air Force's single run after Jake Greiving's pinch-hit RBI double in the 6th. Paul Skenes was 1-3 with a base-hit.

Shim set down the first six Navy batters he faced before running into trouble in the 3rd. The Midshipmen opened the inning with a single, a walk and another single, as Navy suddenly loaded the bases with no outs. Shim did well to limit the damage, as the next two batters grounded into outs.

The Air Force lineup put runners on base in six of the seven innings, but couldn't find enough key hits.

"We are hitting a dismal .139 as a team and averaging just over two runs a game," said Kaz. "I don't care how good you pitch and play defense. Offensively right now, we stink."

Next, the Falcons will stay in North Carolina, traveling to Campbell to play the Camels on Monday, February 28. First-pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm MT.

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