GEORGETOWN, Texas —The Oglethorpe University baseball team bounced back in emphatic fashion on Saturday, sweeping a high-scoring doubleheader against Southwestern University to claim a 2-1 series victory in its opening weekend of SAA play. After a difficult 19-2 loss on Friday, the Stormy Petrels responded with determination and offensive explosiveness, combining for 31 runs across two wins, 14-11 and 17-15.

The turnaround highlighted Oglethorpe's resilience and ability to reset quickly, as the Petrels showcased timely hitting, plate discipline and clutch performances in both contests to secure the conference series win on the road.

Game One: Oglethorpe 14, Southwestern 11

The opening game of Saturday's doubleheader featured momentum swings from the start, as both teams traded early blows in a contest that would ultimately come down to late-inning execution.

Oglethorpe wasted no time getting on the board, striking in the top of the first inning when Ryan Causey laced a two-RBI double into the outfield gap to give the Petrels a 2-0 advantage. Southwestern responded quickly, however, chipping away before delivering a decisive punch in the fourth inning. The Pirates erupted for nine runs in the frame, taking advantage of timely hits and capitalizing on opportunities to surge ahead and put Oglethorpe on its heels.

Facing a significant deficit, the Petrels gradually worked their way back into the game. Oglethorpe's offense showed patience at the plate and began to string together quality at-bats, applying pressure on Southwestern's pitching staff inning by inning.

The comeback effort came to life in the later innings, as the Petrels capitalized on key scoring opportunities and executed in high-leverage situations. Timely hits and aggressive baserunning allowed Oglethorpe to close the gap before ultimately pushing ahead on a Causey grand slam in the seventh. It scored Drew Jabaley, Brick Conway and Will Weaver to send Oglethorpe to a 12-8 lead and Causey would homer again in the ninth to help Oglethorpe complete the 14-11 comeback victory.

Causey led the charge offensively with a program record-tying eight RBIs. He was one of seven Petrels with multiple hits and one of three with three hits.

Grant Guinther picked up the win in relief after going 2.1 innings allowing just two hits and two unearned runs. Hunter Lovett earned the save closing the door for the final two outs, his first save of the season.

Game Two: Oglethorpe 17, Southwestern 15

If game one showcased resilience, game two highlighted the full depth and firepower of Oglethorpe's lineup in a back-and-forth offensive battle that featured a combined 32 runs.

The Petrels remained aggressive at the plate throughout the contest, totaling 14 hits while drawing an impressive 13 walks. Their disciplined approach forced Southwestern's pitchers into difficult situations and consistently put runners on base.

After trailing midway through the game, Oglethorpe delivered its most impactful inning of the day in the fifth. The Petrels exploded for seven runs, flipping the momentum and taking control of the game. Ethan Snipes provided the biggest swing of the inning with a three-run home run, while Evan Smallwood and Aiden Hosford added key RBIs to sustain the rally.

Despite the surge, Southwestern refused to back down, using the long ball to stay within striking distance. The Pirates launched five home runs in the contest, keeping pressure on Oglethorpe and ensuring the game remained tight heading into the late innings.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Petrels once again rose to the occasion in the ninth inning. Taking advantage of defensive miscues and maintaining their patient approach at the plate, Oglethorpe plated four crucial insurance runs. Cade Eidam and Kinnan each delivered run-scoring hits, while aggressive, heads-up baserunning helped manufacture additional runs and create separation.

Causey continued his standout performance across the doubleheader, reaching base multiple times and playing a key role in the late-game offense.

Lovett got the win in this one, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings of relief and allowing only three hits. Parker Spring pitched the ninth and earned the save.

Series Notes

• Oglethorpe combined for 31 runs, 21 hits and 14 walks across Saturday's doubleheader.
• The Petrels scored 11 combined runs in the fifth and ninth innings of game two.
• Snipes recorded a three-run home run in game two, his biggest hit of the day.
• Kinnan and Causey were consistent offensive leaders, each tallying multiple hits across the doubleheader.
• Oglethorpe drew 13 walks in game two, demonstrating strong plate discipline.
• The Petrels overcame five Southwestern home runs in game two to secure the win.

Up Next

Oglethorpe is back in action at home this Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. to host Covenant. Next weekend will feature a home SAA series against 16th-ranked Trinity.