LAKELAND, Fla.— The Montreat College baseball team wrapped up its season-opening four-game road series against the No. 3-ranked Southeastern University Fire on Saturday. A grand slam gave the Cavaliers a big boost early, and a late pinch-hit, two-out, two-run double catapulted the visitors to a thrilling 9-8 victory. With the win, the Cavs moved to 1-3 on the young campaign, while SEU dropped to 3-1.
Montreat had a strong start, scoring five runs in the first inning.
Cameron Nagel and
Matthew Brunner reached base, setting the stage for
Zachary Long's grand slam later in the frame. Southeastern was unable to respond in the bottom half of the inning, leaving the Cavaliers with a 5-0 lead after the first.
In the second frame, SEU countered with six runs. Thanks to a pair of RBI singles and a grand slam of their own, the Fire vaulted in front of the visitors, 6-5, after just two innings of play. Southeastern then extended its newfound lead in the third, plating runs via a wild pitch and a base knock. By scoring eight unanswered, the hosts entered the middle stages of the contest with an 8-5 edge.
After a few quiet trips to the plate, Montreat finally responded in the fifth inning.
Dawson Bryant's RBI single and a wild pitch brought two runs home, slashing SEU's lead down to 8-7 through five.
Pitchers mostly dominated the ensuing few innings until the Cavs delivered in the clutch. Long's and Bryant's walks provided Montreat with life, and
Jason Brulport landed the game-altering blow. The Kenosha, Wis. native registered a pinch-hit, two-out, two-run double down the right field line, pushing the visitors ahead.
Trevor Laughlin slammed the door shut with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth, picking up the win and securing the 9-8 triumph for the Cavaliers.
Ja'Lan Chambers started on the bump, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing eight runs on six hits. The Tennessee Wesleyan University transfer also issued three walks and struck out four batters.
Hunter Rast followed with an effective 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, surrendering just one hit while punching out five. Laughlin closed the game with three shutout innings, also yielding only one knock and striking out two hitters.
Brunner led the team with three hits, contributing to a strong offensive performance. Long added a powerful presence with a home run and four RBIs.
Hunter Furches scored two runs and reached base twice via walks, providing crucial opportunities for scoring. Brulport delivered in a pinch-hit situation with a double that drove in two runs, showcasing his effectiveness in key moments.
Up next, the Cavs head to Huntsville, Ala. on Thursday and Friday for a four-game set versus Oakwood University. Thursday's doubleheader is slated to begin at 1 p.m. EST.
