HATTIESBURG, Miss.— The Thomas Night Hawks held their own but lost two hard-fought games against the #7 William Carey Crusaders on Saturday afternoon
Thomas 2 William Carey 6
Thomas University dropped the opener of its Southern States Athletic Conference doubleheader falling to #7 William Carey
The Crusaders scored five runs in the first inning, setting the tone early against Thomas starter AJ Wydra, who settled in after the opening frame but couldn't overcome the early deficit. Wydra threw six innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out four on 117 pitches.
The Night Hawks answered with single runs in the third and fourth innings. Elias Garcia drove in the first Thomas run with an RBI single, while shortstop Seth Waltimyer added an RBI double to cut into the William Carey lead. Garcia finished 1-for-2 with two walks and a run batted in.
Waltimyer had one of four hits for Thomas, who were held in check by a trio of Crusaders pitchers. William Carey's Preston Ratliff picked up the win, giving up two runs in three innings despite issuing five walks. Bobby Magee earned the save with 3.2 scoreless innings of relief.
Thomas left seven runners on base and was unable to cash in on several opportunities, including a bases-loaded situation in the third.
Thomas 6 William Carey 8
Thomas University jumped out to a quick lead behind timely hitting and aggressive base running, but a five-run third inning by #7 William Carey turned the tide as the Night Hawks fell in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.
Thomas struck early with runs in each of the first two innings and pushed across three more in the fourth to take a 5-0 lead. Aiden Reyes sparked the offense with a 2-for-4 performance, including a two-run double. JT Whatley added two RBIs of his own with a pair of key hits.
The lead was short-lived. William Carey responded with five runs in the bottom of the third, highlighted by back-to-back home runs off Thomas starter Dustin Letchworth, who allowed five earned runs over three innings of work.
Thomas relievers combined to limit the Crusaders over the final innings, with Brandon Steele tossing a perfect eighth, but William Carey added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth that proved decisive.
The Night Hawks threatened late, loading the bases in the eighth and bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but couldn't cash in. Thomas left 12 runners on base in the loss.
Despite the result, the offense saw production throughout the lineup. Garcia went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, and Hunter Kern drew two walks, stole two bases, and scored once.
The Night Hawks will return home next week to face off against ABAC in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, April 8th at 5:00pm
