Williamsburg, KY – For the second consecutive game, the #2 seeded Patriots found themselves in extra-innings on Wednesday afternoon at Doyle Buhl Stadium. In the extra frame, Caden Petrey launched a two-run home run to help UC take down #1 seed Missouri Baptist, 8-6. The Patriots move on to the Opening Round Championship Game where they will just need to win one more to advance to the NAIA World Series.
At the plate, Caden Petrey led the way with a 3-for-4 performance with a home run, double, walk, and three RBI's. Charlie Muniz notched a home run of his own in a 2-for-4 outing. Derick Andiarena went 2-for-6 with a home run and three RBI's.
On the mound, Knicko Billings got the start for UC. The senior threw 6.1 innings, allowing six runs on nine hits with four strikeouts. Jake Kmieick was the first pitcher out of the bullpen, and he faced two batters. JD Price relieved Kmieick and retired all four batters he faced in 1.2 innings of work. Cooper Morgan was credited with his second win of the Opening Round after pitching 1.1 innings, not allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts.
The Patriots got out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first courtesy of a solo home run by Muniz, his NAIA leading 33rd of the season.
Missouri Baptist responded with a run in the bottom of the second to even the score at 1-1.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Spartans added two more runs to take their first lead of the game at 3-1.
UC had an answer of their own in the top of the fourth to tie the game back up at 3-3. Andiarena led off the inning with a solo home run to left field. Max Harper followed with a double down the left field line to put a runner into scoring position. One batter later, Pedro Vasquez hit an RBI-single up the middle, scoring Harper from second.
After a scoreless fifth inning, the UC bats came alive once again. Caden Petrey gave the Pats the lead with an RBI-double to left center. Andiarena kept it going with a 2-RBI single, extending the Pats lead to 6-3.
The Spartans once again had a response, plating three runs to tie the ballgame at 6-6.
The final two frames went scoreless to send the game into extras.
In the top of the tenth, Petrey delivered a clutch two-run home run to give UC an 8-6 advantage.
Morgan was able to record the final three outs to win the game for the Patriots.
Cumberlands moves on to the Championship Game of the NAIA Opening Round tomorrow and will meet #1 seed Missouri Baptist again at noon ET for a spot in the NAIA World Series.
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