MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Oglethorpe baseball team showed resilience and offensive firepower throughout Saturday's doubleheader against Rhodes, battling in both contests despite coming up short in a pair of losses. The Stormy Petrels established early leads in each game and consistently put pressure on Rhodes pitching but ultimately fell 9-1 and 7-6.

Game One: Rhodes 9, Oglethorpe 1

Oglethorpe jumped out to an early lead in game one, capitalizing on timely hitting in the second inning. Jace Armstrong sparked the rally with a single, and Nick Morgan followed with a base hit to put two runners on. Cade Eidam delivered the big swing of the inning, lining an RBI single to center field to bring Armstrong home and give the Petrels a 1-0 advantage.

Eidam led the offensive effort for Oglethorpe, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and the team's lone RBI. The Petrels collected six hits in the contest, with Trey Kinnan, Evan Smallwood, Armstrong and Morgan each contributing to the balanced attack. Smallwood also added a stolen base, continuing to create opportunities on the basepaths.

On the mound, Grant Guinther provided a strong response out of the bullpen, tossing five innings while allowing three runs and striking out four. After a high-scoring inning from Rhodes early in the game, Guinther helped stabilize things and gave Oglethorpe a chance to settle in defensively. Josh Stewart added an inning of relief to close out the game.

Despite the final score, the Petrels showed the ability to string together quality at-bats and generate offense early, setting the tone for a more explosive showing in game two.

Game Two: Rhodes 7, Oglethorpe 6

The second game of the doubleheader featured Oglethorpe's most complete offensive performance of the day, as the Petrels built an early lead and battled until the final inning in a one-run contest.

Oglethorpe struck first once again, taking advantage of early scoring opportunities. In the second inning, Armstrong delivered an RBI double to bring home Brick Conway and open the scoring. The Petrels broke the game open in the third inning with a three-run surge, highlighted by RBI singles from Kinnan and Conway, along with a run-scoring groundout from Smallwood to extend the lead to 4-0.

The offense continued to apply pressure in the fifth inning. Aiden Hosford drove in a run on a groundout, while disciplined at-bats helped the Petrels push the lead to 5-1. Oglethorpe's ability to execute in key situations and move runners proved critical in building the early advantage.

Smallwood delivered one of the biggest moments of the day in the seventh inning, launching a solo home run to give the Petrels a 6-1 lead. Smallwood finished with two RBIs and reached base multiple times, anchoring the middle of the lineup.

Rhodes came away with the win to clinch the series after scoring five runs in the eighth to tie the game then walking it off in the ninth on a single to center field.

Kinnan added two runs scored and an RBI, while Conway contributed a hit, an RBI and multiple walks. Eidam also played a key role, reaching base three times with two walks and a stolen base, helping Oglethorpe maintain constant pressure on defense.

As a team, the Petrels showcased impressive plate discipline, drawing 11 walks and matching Rhodes closely in overall offensive production. Oglethorpe also stole two bases and consistently created scoring chances, though the team left 11 runners on base in a game that remained within reach until the final out.

Game Notes

• Eidam recorded a multihit game in game one and reached base three times in game two.
• Smallwood homered and drove in two runs in game two.
• Kinnan scored twice and added an RBI in game two.
• Conway reached base multiple times and recorded an RBI in the second game.
• Guinther struck out four over five innings of relief in game one.
• Oglethorpe drew 11 walks in game two, showcasing strong plate discipline.
• The Petrels scored first in both games and held a 6-1 lead in game two.

Up Next

The Petrels finish out the series against Rhodes Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.