MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Down four runs with three innings left, East Texas Baptist University (6-4) came from behind to secure a 13-10 win over Mount St. Joseph University (2-1) on a neutral-site game at Huntingdon College. ETBU's offense was highlighted by a four-run seventh inning and a total of five doubles. The Lions scored five runs in the fourth inning to briefly take the lead, but the Tigers responded with consistent scoring in the later innings to clinch the victory.
Raef Wright scored four runs and drove in three with a home run.
Justin Flannery contributed by scoring three runs and adding a double to his two-hit performance.
Joaquin Costa added two hits and drove in two runs while drawing two walks.
Carson Livesay recorded a two-RBI double, while
Judah Hill added two runs and two doubles with one run batted in.
Connor Massimini also had two RBI as
Colby Wilson and
Jobee Boone each had one RBI.
Nolan Bushko started on the mound for ETBU, pitching three innings while allowing six earned runs on three hits and recorded one strikeout.
Cody Myers came in relief to pitch 1 1/3 innings, conceding one earned run on three hits, while striking out one batter. Garret Walker also took the mound, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing three earned runs on 4 hits, recording one strikeout.
Conner Smeltzer closed out the game with three innings of scoreless pitching, surrendering 4 hits and striking out two batters for the win.
ETBU took an early lead in the first inning when Wright was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on Costa's single to right center. Mount St. Joseph tied the game in the third inning and took a 6-1 lead after the fourth winning.
After walks by Flannery and J. Hill in the fifth inning, Wright hit a three-run homer to right field, narrowing the deficit to 6-4. However, the Lions added another run for a 7-4 lead after five innings.
In the sixth, ETBU added two runs. Massimini scored on a passed ball, and Flannery scored on Boone's sacrifice fly. The Lions countered with three runs making it 10-6.
ETBU took control in the seventh inning with four runs. Wright reached on an error and scored on Costa's single. Livesay's double brought in two more, and a sacrifice fly by Wilson tied the game at 10-10.
The Tigers continued their momentum in the eighth as Hill doubled, and after Wright was intentionally walked, both scored on Massimini's two-RBI single to take a 12-10 lead.
In the ninth inning, Flannery reached on an error and scored on Hill's double, extending the lead to 13-10. ETBU secured the victory as the Lions were unable to score in the bottom of the ninth.
ETBU faces host Huntingdon at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in Alabama.
ETBU Top Performers
R. Wright
- 4 runs
- 3 RBIs
- 1 home run
J. Hill
- 2 runs
- 2 doubles
- 1 RBI
J. Flannery
- 3 runs
- 2 hits
- 1 double
C. Livesay
- 1 run
- 2 RBIs
- 1 double
