LYNCHBURG, Va. — A complete game pitching performance from No. 11 East Texas Baptist University's
Isaac Thornton delivered an 8-2 victory over No. 2 University of Lynchburg (39-7-1) in the first game of the NCAA Division III Lynchburg Super Regional. ETBU scored five runs in two innings to seal the win with 12 hits and one home run moving to 37-10.
ETBU's decisive performance was highlighted by a three-run seventh inning and a two-run eighth for the 8-2 lead after UL had cut the lead to one, 3-2, in the sixth.
Connor Massimini delivered a strong performance, scoring two runs and tallying two RBIs, including a home run.
Carter Nannini contributed with two hits, driving in three runs and drawing two walks.
Carson Livesay and
Joaquin Costa added two hits while
Jobee Boone recorded two hits and a RBI as
Brody Tewers gave a double for two RBI.
Isaac Thornton pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters while allowing two earned runs over nine innings. He also retired the side in the fourth inning as he earned his second straight complete game win earning his ninth win.
In the third inning, Lynchburg took an early lead when Benton Jones doubled to right field, bringing in Brandon Garcia for the first run of the game for the 1-0 lead.
ETBU responded in the fifth inning as Ortigoza reached on a single, advanced on Livesay's single and made it to third base on a fielders choice. Nannini then doubled to left center, driving in Ortigoza, Massimini, and
Carson Livesay for three RBI and the lead, 3-1.
Lynchburg narrowed the gap in the sixth inning with a solo home run to center field by Jack Pokorak, to pull within one, 3-2.
In the seventh inning, ETBU extended its lead to 6-2. Nanni and Costa posted back-to-back singles with two outs. Boone then singled, allowing Nannini to score, followed by
Brody Tewers doubling down the left field line, driving in Boone and
Joaquin Costa for the four-run lead, 6-2.
Massimini gave ETBU breathing room in the eighth inning with a two-run homer to left field, scoring Ortigoza and putting the score at 8-2.
Thornton struck out two in the eighth and held off Lychburg in the ninth with a runner on second for the win.
ETBU will play game two on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Easter Time vs. No. 2 Lynchburg.
ETBU Top Performers
Connor Massimini
- 2 runs
- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
Carter Nannini
- 1 run
- 2 hits
- 3 RBIs
- 1 double
Isaac Thornton
- Complete game
- 9 innings pitched
- 7 strikeouts
- 2 earned runs
