ATLANTA– In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Oglethorpe University baseball team outlasted Emory University in a 10-inning offensive showdown, earning a dramatic 16-15 walk-off victory Tuesday evening.
The Stormy Petrels showed relentless fight from start to finish, erasing deficits, capitalizing on opportunities, and delivering in the biggest moments, none larger than junior Jace Armstrong's game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 10th.
With the game tied 15-15 and two out in the final frame, Evan Smallwood worked a clutch walk and advanced into scoring position. Brick Conway followed with another disciplined plate appearance to reach base, setting the stage for Armstrong. The junior came through under pressure, lining a single through the right side to score Smallwood and send the Petrels pouring out of the dugout in celebration.
Oglethorpe's offense was active early and often in a game that quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle. After falling behind 2-0, the Petrels answered with a four-run second inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Ben Chatham, Nick Morgan and Cade Eidam. Eidam's two-RBI single, combined with aggressive baserunning and an Emory error, helped flip the early momentum.
The Petrels kept the pressure on in the third inning, where Chatham delivered one of the biggest swings of the night, a bases-clearing double to left center that plated three runs and gave Oglethorpe a 7-5 advantage.
Chatham led the offensive explosion, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs and two doubles. He consistently delivered in key moments and anchored a lineup that produced 14 hits and drew 13 walks.
Oglethorpe extended its lead in the fifth inning behind RBI contributions from Trey Kinnan and Smallwood, but Emory continued to respond, setting up a high-scoring battle that carried deep into the later innings.
Trailing late, the Petrels delivered their most crucial rally in the bottom of the ninth. Down to their final outs, Oglethorpe plated three runs to tie the game at 15-15. Smallwood, Conway and Morgan all played key roles in the rally, while Armstrong drove in a run to keep the comeback alive. A wild pitch later in the inning brought home the tying run, completing the dramatic comeback and forcing extra innings.
On the mound, Oglethorpe used a mix of arms to battle through a tough offensive night. The biggest contribution came from Armstrong, who not only delivered the walk-off hit but also earned the win on the mound. The right-hander tossed a scoreless inning in the 10th, working around traffic and keeping Emory off the board to give the Petrels a chance to win it.
Despite the high-scoring nature of the game, Oglethorpe's defense remained steady, committing no errors compared to Emory's five, an important factor in a one-run game.
Offensively, multiple Petrels turned in standout performances. In addition to Chatham's four-hit game, Morgan recorded four hits of his own, while Conway reached base consistently and scored multiple runs. Eidam added a multi-RBI performance, and Smallwood crossed the plate three times, setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
The win marks one of the most resilient performances of the season for Oglethorpe, showcasing the team's ability to respond under pressure and execute in clutch situations.
Game Notes
- Oglethorpe scored 16 runs on 14 hits in the extra-inning victory.
- The Petrels drew 13 walks, showcasing strong plate discipline throughout the game.
- Chatham finished 4-for-4 with four RBIs and two doubles.
- Morgan also recorded four hits, giving Oglethorpe two players with four-hit performances.
- Oglethorpe overcame a late deficit with three runs in the ninth inning to force extras.
- The Petrels committed no errors, compared to five by Emory.
- Armstrong earned the win on the mound and delivered the walk-off RBI single in the 10th.
Up Next
The Petrels finish up regular season Southern Athletic Association play against Sewanee at home in a three-game set over the upcoming weekend.
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