THOMASVILLE, Ga. — In a moment that will be etched in program history, Thomas University earned its first-ever win over William Carey on Friday night, defeating the Crusaders 9-2 at Varnedoe Field behind a complete-game gem from Isaac Padilla and an explosive sixth inning that turned a tight game into a rout.
Padilla was dominant from start to finish, going the distance and allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out six. The right-hander walked only one batter and hit one in 118 pitches, improving his record to 9-2 on the season with a 0.67 WHIP in the outing.
The Night Hawks broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth, erupting for five runs on five hits to turn a 4-2 lead into an insurmountable 9-2 advantage. Gabe Tafelski ignited the frame with a lead-off triple to center field. After a pitching change, Jackson Thomas plated the first run with an RBI single up the middle. The damage continued as Jackson Thomas scored on a Lucas Dufresne single, then a Carson Thomas double to right drove in another run. Noah Smith capped the rally with a two-run single down the left-field line to clear the bases.
Seth Waltimyer was Thomas's offensive catalyst, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a bases-clearing two-run single in the second inning that put the Night Hawks ahead for good. Noah Smith finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, while Tafelski added two hits including his sixth-inning triple and scored twice.
Thomas struck early in the second, plating three runs after Teiresias Jones Jr. scored on an Elias Garcia hit by pitch and Tafelski and Smith came home on the Waltimyer single.
William Carey (30-15, 14-8) got on the board first in the second inning when Tyler Ducksworth launched a solo home run to left field off Padilla. The Crusaders added their second run in the sixth on a Jayden Mark RBI single that scored Taylor Walters, who had reached on a single and moved up on a wild pitch.
Ducksworth's homer proved to be the lone blemish against Padilla, who settled in and retired the Crusaders in order in the final three innings. William Carey starter Matthew Davis (9-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs on seven hits across five innings.
William Carey used four pitchers in an attempt to slow the Night Hawks' offense, but Thomas drew five walks and had runners on base in seven of eight innings.
Thomas (25-17, 15-7 SSAC) has now won 13 of its last 14 games and sits in sole possession of second place in the conference standings, one game behind ABAC.
The Night Hawks face the Crusaders again to decided the series with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The baseball program will celebrate its seven seniors prior to the game.
