KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The eighth-seeded Montreat College baseball team continued its journey in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers took on the second-seeded and No. 6-ranked Johnson University Royals in the winner's bracket, and they remained unbeaten in tournament play, toppling the Royals with five home runs and an 11-3 final score. As a result, Montreat improved to 33-19 (14-13 AAC), matching its most wins in a single season under Head Coach Jason Beck. Meanwhile, Johnson slid to 36-11 (20-6 AAC) on the year.
Following two quick outs to start the first, Matthew Brunner extended the inning with a solo blast to left field. Zachary Long found his own way around the bases after driving a ball off the center field wall, leading to an inside-the-park home run during the very next at-bat. Justin Austin came through with a sacrifice fly in the following frame, building a 3-0 edge for the Cavs through just two frames.
Long continued the momentum for Montreat in the third, smashing a two-run bomb over the fence in right, which made the score 5-0. The Royals finally found their way onto the board in the bottom half of the inning, though, utilizing an RBI single to close the gap to 5-1.
Johnson didn't stop chipping away, adding two more runs in the fifth inning when it capitalized on a throwing error. That sequence narrowed the deficit down to 5-3.
Despite the designated home team's surge, the Cavaliers managed to pull away down the stretch. In the seventh inning, Cameron Nagel and Long both contributed with RBI base hits, while Brunner's advancement on an error aided the Cavs in creating a 9-3 advantage.
In the following frame, Montreat put an exclamation point on its win. Gustavo Gonzalez and Austin both notched solo shots, bringing the Cavaliers' home run total to five on the night. The blasts handed the Cavs an 11-3 edge, and that ultimately proved to be the final score.
"For our offense come back this time of year, it's really good to see," Beck shared. "We told them they have to get hot at the right time. We've put two good games together so far, and I'm really proud of how the guys played today."
Bryton Williams got the starting nod, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing three runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits and two walks. The Hudson, Fla. native also struck out a trio of batters. Nick Kantzavelos relieved Williams, pitching 4 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball, conceding merely three hits and one walk while striking out four batters. The upperclassman picked up his third triumph of the campaign thanks to his effort.
Long led the Cavs with a powerful performance, recording four RBIs, two home runs and a stolen base. Austin contributed significantly by scoring twice, driving in a pair and launching a homer. Brunner added to the scoring by crossing home plate three times and posting two extra-bast hits, including a home run and a double. Gonzalez helped round out the offense with a homer and two runs.
The next AAC Tournament challenge for Montreat comes on Thursday, April 30, when it faces third-seeded and No. 16-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan University. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Hunter Wright Stadium in Kingsport, Tenn.
