On February 9th, 2020, Matthew Richard Burgess, a Freshman from Seneca, South Carolina, started his second and third game of his collegiate career against Emmanuel College. The Lander Bearcats had a double header that started at 1 p.m. against a 1-4 Emmanuel team heading in to the day. Burgess got the start at shortstop on a day that the Bearcats saw their starting shortstop and second baseman go down with an injury and the flu. The Bearcats were struggling offensively before Burgess stepped up for his team in a big way by producing seven RBI’s while going 4-9 with a double and a bases loaded triple to put the Bearcats ahead in the second game of the double header. They would go on to win both games of the double header.
The freshman had a record setting day at the plate and showed great ability in the field as well. When asked about the game, Burgess admitted he had nerves, but after he got his first hit he was “relieved” and able to settle in and play the game he had been playing since he was a kid. Burgess and the Bearcats looks to continue his hot streak as the team takes on the rest of the season. The Bearcats are currently 7-3, and are beginning conference play in February.
