To start off the NCCAA Mideast Regionals, the Mighty Oaks took on the Eagles of Alice Lloyd College on Wednesday afternoon. In a big victory, Noah Baugher made history as he put his name in the Oakland City University record books.
After a close game between Asbury University and Alice Lloyd College, the Eagles of Alice Lloyd were able to advance to the winner's bracket with a 5-3 victory. As a result, they were the opponents in the 1:30 PM game versus Oakland City.
The Mighty Oaks started off hot offensively.
Aron Busick singled and
Noah Baugher walked, which allowed
Fred Fernandez to drive in the first run of the afternoon with an RBI double.
Oliver Hamilton and
Xander Willis followed with RBI singles, to bring in Baugher and Fernandez. After this, a 2-RBI double came off the bat of
Alec Pruitt, to give Oakland City a 5-0 lead. The damage wasn't done yet, as
JT Smallwood walked and a
Marcos Arocho single loaded the bases.
Leyton Ivers followed with a sacrifice fly and
Aron Busick brought in the seventh run of the inning with a single through the left side.
With two outs in the first inning, a memorable moment occurred at Konkler Field. Senior outfield
Noah Baugher collected his 62
nd hit of the season and his 236
th hit as a Mighty Oak. With 236 hits,
Noah Baugher now holds the record for most hits in program history.
Congratulations Noah Baugher!
The lead grew from 7-0 to 10-0 on a big swing from
Alec Pruitt. The catcher deposited a 3-run homerun over the fence to left centerfield. With his long ball, he brought home
Oliver Hamilton (walk) and
Xander Willis (single).
After Oakland City grew their lead to ten versus zero, no more runs were produced.
Thomas King and
Weston Allen combined for a shutout, allowing for the game to be called after seven innings due to the mercy rule. King earned the win in five scoreless innings, he gave up two hits, while walking three and fanning nine. Allen threw two innings in relief; he surrendered just one hit and no runs. The right-hander walked one and struck out two.
With this win the Mighty Oaks have now reached forty wins on the year, a remarkable number in college baseball. The win also means that Oakland City stays in the winner's bracket during the NCCAA Mideast Regionals.
The tournament continues tomorrow at noon with an elimination game between Asbury and Alice Lloyd. Prior to this game the NCCAA All Region awards will be presented. After the battle of the Eagles, President Dempsey will take the field to honor all graduates on the Mighty Oaks team, since they missed the commencement ceremony on Saturday, when they were playing Point Park University in Chillicothe. Oakland City will face the winner of Asbury and Alice Lloyd around 3:30 PM in what could be the championship game.
