Sewanee, Tennessee - In the Oberlin College baseball's season opener, first-year center fielder Patrick Leonard led the charge offensively. Leonard, hitting in the lead off spot, finished 3-3 with a hard double off the right field wall and a walk. 

"Playing in my first college game was a very special moment for me with my family in the stands, and family and friends watching from home," Leonard said. "Leading up to the game, I was definitely nervous, but after I saw my first pitch, I was able to settle in and play my game."

Leonard's path to collegiate success started when he stepped foot on campus this past fall.  

"My success today began from the moment I stepped on campus, developing my game over the fall and winter to put myself in the best position to have success this season," Leonard said. "As the game went on, I gained more and more confidence, which allowed me to play at my highest level."

Despite Leonard's efforts, the Yeomen dropped their opening day contest to The University of the South, 3-13 in eight innings. 

Reigning All-conference selection, third-year Calvin Burkholder, got the opening day nod on the bump. 

Coming off a season where he finished with a 3.91 ERA in 53 innings, including a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings during conference play, Burkholder battled through three innings. The Aurora, CO, native surrendered six runs (five earned) while giving up eight hits and striking out three. 

In relief of Burkholder, first-year right-hander Jameson Bryant made his collegiate debut on the mound. The Cape Elizabeth, ME, native cruised through four innings, scattering three hits and four walks, while striking out two and giving up three runs (one earned).

"Before playing in my first college game, I was definitely nervous, but I was also excited for the opportunity to play with all of my family watching online," Bryant said. "Once I got my first out, I got into a groove and treated it like any other game."

Even with some traffic on the bases, Bryant was able to limit the damage.   

"I believe that I was able to succeed with runners on base because of my mindset throughout the game," Bryant said. "I knew that I was going to allow hits or walks because you can't be perfect, so I just wanted to limit the amount of runs scored."

First-years James Min and Chase Zaikov made their collegiate debuts on the mound in the loss.

The Yeomen are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, with two games against The College of the South to finish up their three-game set. First pitch of game one is set for 12 p.m. 

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