JACKSON, Miss. – The Diamond Gents scored 10 unanswered against the Majors and never looked back as Centenary (5-7) knocked off Millsaps (2-8) 11-1 to conclude the weekend Sunday morning, February 24.
Centenary scored an unearned run in the first, but three in the third inning gave Centenary a comfortable lead. After sophomore Peyton Cormane singled and classmate Chris Haggard was hit by a pitch, both runners stole a bag to move into scoring position. Junior Cody Crowder followed with an RBI single and stole second. Sophomore Preston Ludwick followed with a sacrifice fly and freshman Shane Salzman added an RBI single.
After Centenary extended the lead on Haggard's RBI triple in the sixth, the Gents struck for five in the seventh to put the game away. After three walks loaded the bases with one out, senior Charlie Allbritton drew an RBI walk. Senior Andrew Russell plated a pair with a single to center, followed by an RBI infield single by Cormane. Haggard's RBI groundout extended the lead to 10-0.
Cormane had a hit in all three at-bats with three runs scored and an RBI to lead Centenary. Russell went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
After Millsaps scored its lone run in the eighth, Centenary scored one in the top of the ninth for the final margin. Sophomore Tyler Welch led off the inning with a pinch-hit double, advanced to third on a flyout, and scored when Crowder hit into a fielder's choice.
Meanwhile, four Gents pitchers held the Majors offense to just five hits and one run. With the Gents up 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Millsaps threatened after a pair of walks and a passed ball put a pair in scoring position with one out. However, Centenary made the catch in right field and doubled a Major off of third base to end the threat.
Freshman Will Kappler (1-0) picked up the win in relief, allowing just two walks with one strikeout in 2.1 innings pitched. Senior Kyle Barron tossed the final four innings for his first collegiate save, allowing three hits and one run with two strikeouts.
Millsaps scored its lone run in the eighth when William Warner led off the inning with a double and scored after consecutive groundouts.
Hayden Williams (0-2) took the loss for the Majors, allowing three hits and four runs (three earned) in 2.1 innings of work.
The Diamond Gents return to action in a week when they begin their California trip. The Gents begin the trip next Sunday, March 3, with a doubleheader at Occidental. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m (11 a.m. PST).
