ATLANTA—The Oglethorpe University baseball team closed out its weekend series against LaGrange College by splitting Saturday's doubleheader, earning a dramatic 7–6 comeback victory in game one before falling 16–1 in game two. Despite the setback in the nightcap, the Stormy Petrels secured the series victory 2–1, winning two of the three games against the Panthers.
Game One: Petrels rally for thrilling 7–6 comeback
Oglethorpe delivered one of its most exciting performances of the season in the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader, storming back from a six-run deficit to defeat LaGrange 7–6. After LaGrange jumped out to an early lead, the Stormy Petrels stayed composed and began chipping away at the deficit. Evan Smallwood sparked the comeback effort in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field, putting Oglethorpe on the scoreboard and shifting momentum toward the Petrels.
The rally continued late in the game as Oglethorpe's offense came alive in the seventh inning. Brick Conway started the push with a base hit before Drew Jabaley drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run. Moments later, Smallwood was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another run, and Jace Armstrong delivered a sacrifice fly that cut the deficit to 6–4.
Oglethorpe completed the comeback in the eighth inning behind one of its top hitters. Nick Morgan opened the inning with a single before Trey Kinnan drove a double down the right field line to put two runners in scoring position. With the Petrels threatening, Ryan Causey delivered the biggest moment of the game, blasting a two-run home run to center field to tie the score at 6–6.
The momentum stayed with the Petrels as Maddox Husband singled and later came around to score on an RBI single from Smallwood, giving Oglethorpe its first lead of the afternoon at 7–6. The Petrels pitching staff then shut the door in the final innings, with Tyler Hower earning the win after delivering two scoreless innings to secure the comeback victory.
Several Oglethorpe players delivered standout performances at the plate. Causey led the offense with a 3-for-3 day that included a home run, double and two RBIs, while Smallwood added a home run and three RBIs of his own. Kinnan also produced a strong performance with three hits and a double, and Armstrong contributed two hits and a key sacrifice fly during the rally.
Game Two: Petrels split doubleheader
In the second game of the doubleheader, LaGrange managed to take control early and ultimately defeated Oglethorpe 16–1. While the Panthers capitalized on multiple scoring opportunities, the Petrels continued to battle offensively and saw contributions from several players throughout the lineup. Brick Conway led the way offensively in game two with two hits, while Logan Mortimer, Jabaley, Smallwood, Armstrong and Will Weaver each added hits for Oglethorpe.
Although the Petrels were unable to overcome LaGrange's offensive surge in the nightcap, the strong comeback win earlier in the day secured the series victory for Oglethorpe, marking an important weekend result for the Stormy Petrels. With the series win, Oglethorpe continues to build momentum as the season progresses, highlighted by clutch performances and strong offensive contributions from several key players.
Game Notes
- Causey finished game one 3-for-3 with a home run, double and two RBIs.
- Smallwood drove in three runs, including a solo home run and the go-ahead RBI single.
- Kinnan recorded three hits and scored twice in the comeback victory.
- Oglethorpe totaled 14 hits in game one, its most productive offensive outing of the series.
- Hower earned the win with two scoreless innings to close out the game.
- Conway led Oglethorpe in game two with two hits at the plate.
- The Stormy Petrels won the weekend series two games to one against LaGrange.
Up Next
Oglethorpe heads to Huntingdon this Tuesday, March 10, at 4 p.m. ET.
