Seahawks Drop Season Opener Despite Late Rally Attempt Against Lions

The Cecil College baseball team returned to Brockell Field for the first time in 356 days to open their season against the Lions of the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Dundalk. The Seahawks' 2020 season ended abruptly after playing only 14 games due to the season-ending coronavirus pandemic. In their season debut, the Seahawks fell short against the Lions to start their season with a mark in the loss column.

CCBC Dundalk was quick to score in the opening inning with back-to-back walks and a perfectly executed sacrifice fly to bring one run across home plate. Later in the 1st, the Lions scored off a Seahawks' error to lead 2-0 while, defensively, holding the Seahawks scoreless.

Freshman pitcher Dylan Lehman retired the next six Lions' batters, striking out four of them, while his team was able to tie the game with a home run from sophomore outfielder Juan Carlos Vidal Perez and an RBI-single from Michael Austin in the bottom of the 2nd.

Struggling on the defensive side and committing three errors, the Seahawks let up nine runs in the 5th and 6th innings to help the Lions extend their lead to 11-2. The Seahawks sparked a comeback of their own in the bottom of the 6th inning after Evan James and Dante DiSabatino each singled and two Seahawks' runs came from walks. Vidal Perez hit his second bomb of the day, this time bringing in four runs for a grand slam to bring his team within three runs.

After a scoreless 7th inning on both sides, the Lions capitalized on two more Seahawks' errors to extend their lead to 13-8. Shortly after, the game was called due to darkness.

Vidal Perez when 2-for-3 on the day with 5 RBI's while other Seahawks' hits came from Patrick O'Brien (1 RBI), Brendan Reilly (1 RBI), Rafael Solano (two stolen bases), AJ Thorp, Evan James, Michael Austin (1 RBI), and Dante DiSabatino.

Dylan Lehman struck out five batters in four innings pitched followed by Alden Dobosz with three strikeouts and Cameron Blankenship with two. Dobosz pitched two innings in relief while facing 12 batters and only giving up one earned run.

The Seahawks will return to action at Brockell Field on Sunday, March 7 for a double-header against Garrett College. The Seahawks and Lakers will throw the first pitch of the day at 12:00 p.m.

While spectators are currently not permitted at contests, fans can watch live video at Cecil College Athletics YouTube Channel or live statistics on www.cecilathletics.com.

Photo by: Kendrick Sumpter Photography