MONTREAT, N.C. — The Montreat College baseball team finished up its Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) series against the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs on Saturday. The Cavaliers picked up a pair of wins on senior day, claiming not only the series, but also the 3-0 sweep. Montreat toppled the Bulldogs in game one by way of the run-rule, securing a 17-7 victory in eight innings. Game two saw another dominant triumph for the hosts, this time via an 11-2 final. As a result of the doubleheader, the Cavs improved to 28-15 (12-9 AAC) on the campaign, while UCU fell to 6-29 (3-20 AAC).
A scoreless opening frame started the day for both teams, but Matthew Brunner put the Cavaliers on the board in the second with a solo shot to left field. The blast handed the Cavs a 1-0 lead through two innings.
In the fourth, both teams broke out offensively. A two-run homer coupled with an RBI fielder's choice saw Union Commonwealth grab its first lead of the day at 3-1. Montreat wasted no time in responding, adding five runs in the home half of the fourth. Kaden Ethier's RBI single allowed Gustavo Gonzalez to score. Cameron Nagel took one for the team, wearing a pitch to allow another runner to cross. A sacrifice fly by Hunter Furches brought Justin Austin home, while Tommy Ramos's single through the left side drove in two more to round out the inning. By the end of the fourth, the hosts led 6-3.
Ramos tacked on another run in the sixth with an RBI base hit, bringing in Nagel. Momentum shifted quickly, though, as the Bulldogs eliminated the gap with four runs in the seventh, highlighted by a three-run blast and an RBI double that tied the game at 7-7.
The Cavs slammed their feet on the gas to reclaim the lead in the eighth inning, putting up double-digit runs. Montreat made the most of multiple errors and free passes from the Bulldogs, which enabled the Cavaliers to mount their surge. Furches's RBI single and Daniel Restrepo's two-run base knock contributed significantly. Gonzalez added two more to the tally with a single through the left side. Austin and Ethier also drove in runs, fortifying the Cavs' commanding lead. Ramos walked with the bases loaded, sending home Devon Smith in walk-off fashion for a 17-7 run-rule victory.
Ryan Henrickson started on the bump for the Cavaliers, pitching 3 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out a trio. Ethan Caldwell came in for relief, pitching three innings and giving up six hits and four runs. He also struck out two batters. Ja'Lan Chambers closed the game, capturing his second win of the season by pitching 1 1/3 innings, striking out three and allowing no runs.
Nagel posted two hits, including a double, and scored twice while also driving in a run. Ramos recorded four RBIs, contributing to his two-hit performance with a walk. Brunner finished with three hits, including a homer, and added three runs and an RBI. Furches tacked on two knocks and two RBIs. Ethier and Gonzalez matched each other with a pair of hits and RBIs.
Game two of the twin bill saw Montreat open the scoring early in the first. Brunner led off and reached on an error before stealing second base. That set Ramos up for his RBI double to left field, helping the Cavaliers grab a swift 1-0 lead.
The hosts added on to their advantage in the third inning. Ethier singled to start the frame, and Ramos continued to impress, bringing in Ethier with a base hit up the middle. Gonzalez followed that effort with an extra-base hit down the right field line, pushing the advantage to 3-0.
Montreat continued to widen the gap in the following inning. Smith was the first to score on a double steal. Miscues led to Brunner and Austin scoring. Jason Brulport capped off the big inning with a two-RBI double to left center, establishing the Cavs' 8-0 lead.
In the fifth frame, the Cavaliers put the final stamp on their victory. A bases-loaded walk from brought in Smith. Gonzalez then singled through the left side, driving in Brunner and Adrian Vivo, which expanded the edge to 11-0.
The Bulldogs eventually got on the board in the sixth after being hitless through the initial five innings. A sacrifice fly and an RBI single cut the deficit to nine runs. Jayden Hughes then pitched a scoreless seventh frame to deliver the Cavaliers' series sweep, 11-2.
Hayden Brooks delivered an impressive starting performance, pitching 4 1/3 innings without allowing a hit or a run. The freshman also struck out three batters and issued four walks. Jordon Hart made an impact in relief, striking out the only two batters he faced. John Lowe contributed one inning of relief, giving up two hits and two runs, while picking up two strikeouts and walking one. Hughes closed with a strong showing, scattering a walk and a hit while striking out the side.
Brunner led the way with three runs scored and three stolen bases. Gonzalez contributed significantly, recording two hits, including a double, and driving in three runs. Ramos added two knocks and two RBIs. Ethier added to the offense with a two-hit performance. Brulport rounded out the bats with his two-RBI double.
"We have a mix of first year guys and some guys who have been in the program for a while," said Head Coach Jason Beck. "We are proud of the work they have done, and every one of these guys has put something into the program. It was great to see them go out in front of their family and friends with a sweep."
In their next game, the Cavs travel to face No. 5 Johnson University on Friday, April 17. First pitch is at 5 p.m. in Knoxville, Tenn.
