Bowling Green, Ky. – The Bears were defeated 5-1 in the opening game of the 2023 MSC Tournament by the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots Thursday afternoon at the Bowling Green Ballpark.

The Patriots opened the scoring in the bottom of the first with a two-run double to right center. UPIKE cut the lead in half one inning later, starting with a two-out walk by second baseman Cam Revolt. Revolt tapped the dish one batter later when Demarco Miller doubled to left center. After two innings, the Bears trailed by a run. 

Neither team scored again until the Patriots tacked on a pair in the bottom of the sixth after a double to the gap in the left center. UC plated one more in the frame after a Patriots' runner was called safe on an attempted 4-6-3 double play. Neither team scored again and Cumberlands took this one 5-1. 

Jairemy Pulido had another strong start on the bump for the Bears. The senior hurler from Pamona, Calif. pitched 5.1 innings, gave up five runs (3 earned) on eight hits, and sat three UC batters down on strikes. Richtter Castillo checked into the game in the sixth inning and finished out the game for the Bears. Castillo continued where he left off last weekend, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings with one punchout. 

UPIKE struggled at the plate against UC today, mustering up just one run off one hit. Demarco Miller's RBI double was the Bears' only hit this afternoon. The Bears stranded seven baserunners despite drawing seven walks. 

Since the tournament is double elimination, the Bears are still in it but are in the losers bracket. UPIKE will be back in action bright and early tomorrow morning, awaiting the loser of the Cumberland vs. Georgetown game. 

#BearNation