Cochran, Ga. – March 22, 2025 — The Thomas University Night Hawks wrapped up a conference series sweep of Middle Georgia State in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, claiming a 5–4 extra-inning victory at Stuckey Field. The win not only marked Thomas' third straight in the series but also a major milestone for Head Coach
Tom Fleenor who earned his 500th career victory.
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With the game tied 3–3 heading into extras, the Night Hawks manufactured two key runs in the 10th thanks to small ball.
Elias Garcia opened the frame with a single up the middle.
Max Pickert drew a walk and and
Tyler Marczak hit a ground out to third to advance Pickert.
Brayden Lawhon earned a free pass from a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. Micheal Sowers reached on a walk to plate Garcia and gave the Night Hawks the advantage. Waltimyer hit a fielder's choice ball to drive in Pickert to bring the score to 5-3.
The Night Hawks broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third as
Seth Waltimyer scored off of back to back singles from
Gabe Tafelski and Cam Tyson. Thomas tacked on another run in the top of the fifth inning after a pair singles, a misplay from the center fielder and a fielder's choice to bring the score to 2-0. The scoring continued in the top of the sixth after a base on balls followed by a passed ball and a wild pitch positioned Marczak 90 feet away from a score. Sowers capitalized on the opportunity and hit a deep fly ball to center to bring home Marczak and bring the Night Hawk advantage to 3-0.
Middle Georgia finally broke through in the sixth with a double and RBI single to cut the lead to 3–1. In the bottom of the seventh, a lead-off single followed by a a pair walks and a double tied the game 3–3.
Ryan Chapman entered and calmed the storm stranding two in scoring position. The game remained tied as Chapman dealt two more scoreless frames. Thomas had chances in both innings, including a single in the ninth, but Middle Georgia escaped without damage.
Offensively, Thomas capitalized on speed and situational hitting.
Seth Waltimyer went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a pair of stolen bases.
Cameron Tyson added two hits and an RBI, while
Michael Sowers came up big with two RBIs, including the go-ahead score in the top of the 10th inning.
The historic win was headlined by an electric performance from graduate right-hander
Dustin Letchworth, who delivered a no-hit outing over five innings. Letchworth struck out seven, walked three, and allowed just one base runner via hit-by-pitch, keeping the Knights off balance from the first pitch. His 77-pitch effort set the tone, and the bullpen carried the momentum through the late innings
Chapman added in a spectacular relief outing having worked three innings and only gave up a lone hit.
Brandon Steele closed out the game in the bottom of the 10th, giving up one earned and striking out three to earn the save.
The Night Hawks look to continue their winning streak as they head to Jacksonville, Fla. to play Edward Waters in a midweek contest on Tuesday, March 25th for a 5:00 PM first pitch.
