AUGUSTA, GA. - In a sunny Sunday showdown at Jaguar Field, the Kentucky Wesleyan College baseball team delivered a stellar performance against Augusta University, capturing a decisive 10-4 victory in their non-conference affair. The Panthers recorded their first opening weekend sweep since the 2016 season.
The win, primarily driven by an explosive third inning where the Panthers scored five runs.
Ryan Trokey was pivotal, breaking the 3-3 deadlock with an RBI single that shifted the momentum firmly in Wesleyan's favor.
Tate VanHooser followed with another run scoring single while
Ben Brombaugh capped off the inning by knocking in two runs with a double to left centerfield.
Multiple Panthers contributed significantly to the scoreboard.
Braxton French,
Jase Mizell,
Braden Vinyard, and
Cade Gudalis all crossed the plate, showcasing a balanced and potent attack. VanHooser scored twice on the day.
Key RBIs from VanHooser,
Rhett Dysholm, and others ensured the Panthers capitalized on their opportunities throughout the game. Trokey and Brombaugh each drove-in two runs. Despite Augusta bringing some resistance with a solo homer in the fifth, the Panthers' defense and consistent batting overcame all challenges.
Kentucky Wesleyan's pitchers also starred, with
Noah Cook starting the game and
Josh Tucker securing the win after relieving for 3.2 innings, during which he tallied seven strikeouts.
David Castleberry,
Cole Peaslee, and
Zach Taylor polished off the last three innings, with Taylor closing the game out with three strikeouts in the ninth.
At the plate, the Panthers' strategy was equally effective. Spectators were treated to tactful base-running from Dysholm who stole two bases on the day. A patient hitting approach which included seven walks today and a total of 20 in the series, with
Braden Vinyard alone taking four in Sunday's win.
Looking ahead, the Panthers, now with a 3-0 season record, are set to host McKendree at Panther Field in Owensboro, KY, on February 14. First pitch is scheduled for 1PM.
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