THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomas University secured two hard-fought victories over Baptist University of Florida at Armory Field, winning 3–2 in the first game and 14–12 in the second to sweep Senior Day. Thirteen seniors were celebrated following the conclusion of the sweep.
Game 1: Thomas 3, Baptist University of Florida 2
In game one, the Night Hawks' pitching staff limited Baptist University of Florida to five hits while striking out six batters over seven innings. The Rams took an early lead in the first inning with Harley Daniels' double to right center driving in two runs, putting Thomas University behind 2–0. However, Thomas narrowed the gap in the fourth inning when
Cloey O'Doniel hit a home run to left field, making the score 2–1. In the sixth inning, a sacrifice fly by
Baileigh Herrera allowed
Amber Hughes, who was pinch running for
Alexis Adams, to score, leveling the game at 2–2. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when
Ava Nunez hit a walk off home run to center field, giving Thomas University a 3–2 lead.
Baileigh Herrera pitched a complete game for the Night Hawks, allowing only two earned runs over seven innings, striking out six batters and demonstrating control with 69 strikes out of 107 pitches.
Ava Nunez contributed with a home run, adding one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.
Cloey O'Doniel also hit a home run, finishing with two hits, one RBI, and one run scored.
Game 2: Thomas 14, Baptist University of Florida 12
Game two showcased a dramatic back-and-forth battle where Thomas capitalized on a six-run advantage in the first and fifth innings, combining for nine hits and six walks. In the first inning, Thomas took an early lead as
Ava Nunez reached first on a passed ball and later stole second.
Grace Hodges walked, setting up
Ashlyn Powell's two-run double to left center.
Emily Morrow contributed a sacrifice fly RBI, and the Night Hawks led 4–0. However, Baptist University of Florida responded with a seven-run surge in the second inning, shifting the lead to 7–4. Thomas fought back, narrowing the gap in the third with a series of strategic plays that narrowed the score to 10–7.
The fifth inning saw Thomas regain momentum with a series of plays, including a two-RBI single by Powell, giving them a slim deficit of 12–11. In the sixth inning, Thomas drew walks with the bases loaded, forcing in runs and securing a 14–12 advantage. The defense held firm in the final inning, preventing any scoring from Baptist University of Florida.
Cameron Clontz pitched five innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out four, with
Taylor Young starting the game. Powell had a standout performance with three hits and six RBIs, including a double and a triple, while Hodges added two hits and three runs scored. Nunez crossed the plate twice and drew two walks, contributing to the offensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Thomas University will face Point University on Tuesday, April 14. The matchup is set for a 2 p.m. start at West Point Park Softball Field in West Point, Georgia.
