Ettrick, VA – Bluefield State University claimed the weekend series against Johnson & Wales (Charlotte), taking game one 10-9 and game two 12-3 before falling in the final game 9-5.
Game One – 10-9 W
The Big Blue found themselves in an early 7-1 hole but mounted a massive comeback in the late innings. Trailing 8-3 in the eighth, Nate Rollins drew a bases-loaded walk to spark a rally before Blake McKinney cleared the bases with a grand slam to right field, evening the score 8-8.
The Big Blue took the lead in the ninth after Angel Martinez tripled and scored on a Max Altieri sacrifice fly. Benny Fiens closed the door in the bottom of the ninth to secure the 10-9 victory.
Game Two – 12-3 W
The Big Blue offense exploded for 14 hits to secure the series in game two. After falling behind 3-0 in the third, the Big Blue responded with two in the fourth and three in the fifth to take the lead. Nate Rollins delivered an RBI double, followed by a sacrifice fly from McKinney.
The Big Blue took control in the sixth, bringing home six runs. Rollins delivered a two-run double followed by an RBI single from Martinez. Edwin Hernandez and Kevin Rodgriguez both utilized their speed on the basepaths, scoring on a series of wild pitches and errors to extend the lead 11-3. Rollins led the way with three hits and three RBI, while McKinney added a double and two RBI. Grayson Peel earned the win on the mound, throwing two innings allowing two hits and three runs.
Game Three – 9-5 L
In the final game, Johnson & Wales utilized a four-run fifth inning to build a lead. Trailing 3-0 in the fourth, Kevin Rodriguez and Nick Diaz each drove in runs with back-to-back doubles and singles to pull within one. Trailing 9-2 in the sixth, the Big Blue continued to fight as Rodriguez singled to bring home Hernandez and later scored on an error. McKinney added a final RBI single in the seventh, but the comeback fell short. Rodriguez and Hernandez both finished with two hits.
Jack Sams took the loss, allowing one hit while striking out one.
Up Next: Bluefield State @ Emory & Henry University, Tuesday, April 21st at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
