JACKSON, Tenn. — A strong early surge wasn't enough for the Thomas Night Hawks as they fell to the University of Mobile Rams on Saturday afternoon in the SSAC Tournament at Rockabillys Stadium.
Thomas jumped out quickly with a run in the first and exploded for four more in the third to take a 5-2 lead. Catcher Cameron Rosario delivered a key RBI double in the first and drew a walk to bring another run home in the third, while Cameron Tyson, Trey Larkin and JT Whatley each chipped in an RBI to help fuel the inning.
Starter Jon Gavin Steptoe held Mobile in check through three frames, but the Rams clawed back with two in the fourth and one in the fifth to tie it. A three-run seventh inning proved decisive, as Mobile capitalized on walks, wild pitches and a two run single to pull ahead for good.
Despite solid offensive contributions—Elias Garcia went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and Rosario reached base three times—Thomas couldn't cash in late opportunities, stranding nine runners.
Thomas used five pitchers in the contest. Steptoe worked the first four innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits, then Chase Marsh went for half an inning before Jaxson Smith came in and pitched a solid 1.1 innings, striking out three. Nick Brady relieved Smith and only faced three batters until Brandon Steele took the loss in relief after yielding the go-ahead run in the seventh.
The Night Hawks managed just one baserunner after the fifth inning as Mobile's bullpen closed the door with four scoreless frames.
The game ends the season for a Night Hawks team that overcame hardships throughout the year, but found their stride as the latter half to finish .500 in conference and secure a spot in the conference tournament with several clutch wins and excellent performances. The season was highlighted by tough conference wins over Middle Georgia, UT Southern and Loyola, along with a combined no-hitter against Trinity Bapitst. Head Coach Tom Fleenor also earned his 100th win as the skipper of the Night Hawks and his 500th win in his career as a collegiate head coach.
