PULASKI, Tenn. — Thomas (23-17, 14-7) secured a series win after a 7-4 victory over Tennessee Southern (22-19, 11-10) on Saturday at Bobby Walker Field. Thomas's offense was highlighted by a four-run fifth inning, leading to its win.
Thomas jumped ahead in the first inning with two runs.
Elias Garcia singled through the left side and
Seth Waltimyer followed with a single. After a pickoff,
Jaylen Roque doubled, advancing Waltimyer to third.
Lucas Dufresne grounded out to third, allowing Waltimyer to score.
Carson Thomas then singled up the middle, bringing home Roque. The Night Hawks led 2-0 after the first inning.
In the fourth inning, Thomas added another run.
Max Pickert doubled to right center and scored on a throwing error after
Gabe Tafelski reached base. The score stood at 3-0 after four innings.
The fifth inning saw Thomas extend its lead with a four-run burst.
Lucas Dufresne walked, followed by a single from
Carson Thomas.
Brayden Lawhon's bunt single loaded the bases. After a flyout and a strikeout,
Gabe Tafelski singled to right field, driving in two runs.
Elias Garcia then singled to left, scoring two more. Thomas led 7-3 after the fifth inning.
Tennessee Southern narrowed the gap in the seventh inning. Evan Nelson singled and advanced to third on a fielder's choice. Cooper Phillips hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Nelson. The score was 7-4 in favor of Thomas after seven innings.
No further scoring occurred in the remaining innings. Thomas secured a 7-4 victory over Tennessee Southern, maintaining its lead throughout the game.
Zach Buelk started the game for the Night Hawks, pitching 1 inning without allowing an earned run, giving up only one hit and one walk.
Dustin Letchworth followed with a 3 1/3 innings performance, striking out three.
Ashton O'Quinn pitched 2 2/3 innings, yielding one earned run and striking out one.
Tyler Marczak and
Nate Burnsed each closed with a scoreless inning, with Burnsed earning a save by striking out one and allowing one hit.
Elias Garcia recorded three hits and drove in two runs, showcasing his effectiveness at the plate.
Gabe Tafelski contributed with two hits and two RBIs, while also stealing two bases to create scoring opportunities.
Carson Thomas finished with three hits and added an RBI, maintaining a strong presence in the lineup.
Dustin Letchworth pitched 3 1/3 innings, earning the win with three strikeouts and allowing only one earned run.
Thomas has a record of 23-17 and 14-7 in the conference currently sitting in a four-way tie for first place in the SSAC standings.
In their next game, the Night Hawks will return home to face Paine College in a midweek twin bill on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
