BABSON PARK, FL | The undefeated Night Hawks looked to continue their seven-game win streak against the #12 ranked Webber University Warriors in the first of a three-game series.
 
The Night Hawks wasted no time getting on the board, striking early in the top of the second inning. Max Pickett crushed the second pitch he saw, blasting a 3-RBI home run over the right field wall to give TU a 3 - 0 lead. 
 
After two and a half scoreless innings, the Warriors would cut into the Night Hawks lead. A fielder's choice resulted in one run crossing the plate, followed by another run driven in by a line drive RBI single, bringing the score to 3 - 2 after five innings. 
 
In the top of the sixth inning, Thomas University would add to their lead as Max Pickert drove in Michael Sowers with an RBI single, extending the Night Hawks lead back to two runs.
 
The Warriors were down to their final out with two runners on, in the bottom of the ninth inning.  With Thomas ahead by a score of 4-2, a 2-RBI triple would send the game into extra-innings, with the game at four, each.  
 
In the top of the eleventh inning, Brayden Lawhon would hit a single with one out and advanced to third base after an errand throw by the catcher. With the go ahead run 90-feet away, Turner Maddox reached first base following a catcher interference call. Maddox attempted to steal second base and forced a throw from the pitcher to 1st base.  Maddox was able to stay in the run-down, between 1st base and 2nd base, long enough for Lawhorn to score from third base.  The run gave Thomas a 5-4, lead, and Steele was able to shut down the Warriors, in the bottom half of the inning,  to give Thomas a 5 - 4 victory. 
 
RHP Brandon Steele would get the win for the Night Hawks as he went 3.2 innings, throwing 69 pitches, allowing one hit, two runs, and striking out eight batters. Sophomore Max Pickert went 3-for-5 on the night with a 3-RBI home run, a crucial RBI single, and another solid single.  Senior Bryce Bitting went 2-for-4 at the plate with two singles and scored a run for the Night Hawks.
 
The Night Hawks victory extends their 2024 winning streak to an impressive eight games in a row.  The series will continue on Saturday, with a double-header, starting at 12pm.  The action will take place in Babson Park, FL.  For up-to-date information on awards and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU baseball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksBaseba.