LYNCHBURG, Va. — The University of Lynchburg baseball team used a seven-run frame in the seventh inning to secure an 11-4 victory against Christopher Newport and claim its fourth NCAA DIII regional title in as many years on Sunday afternoon at Bank of the James Stadium.
The Hornets powered past all three teams in the Lynchburg regional: Penn St.-Behrend, Maryville, and Christopher Newport. Lynchburg totaled a whopping 38 runs across all three contests while allowing just six, showcasing talent on both the offensive and defensive ends.
With the score tied at 4-4 heading into the seventh inning, the Hornets then took control. Brandon Garcia walked and stole second before Jones and Pokorak each drew walks to load the bases. Madden cleared the bases with a three-run double to left field, and later scored on a wild pitch. Flora followed with a two-run triple to left center, and Ryder Warren added an RBI triple to right center as Lynchburg surged ahead 11-4.
Christopher Newport struck first in the opening inning on an RBI single from Gus Croll, but Lynchburg answered immediately in the bottom half. Benton Jones reached and later scored on an RBI single to right field by Jack Pokorak to even the game at 1-1.
The Captains regained the lead in the third when Aaron Maxie singled home a run, but the Hornets tied the game again in the fourth. Joe Munitz reached base and eventually scored on an RBI single from Kyle Flora to make it 2-2.
Christopher Newport moved back in front in the fifth inning on a two-run double from Maxie, but Lynchburg responded once again in the bottom half. Quinn Madden doubled to right field to score Pokorak, and Munitz followed with an RBI single to tie the contest at 4-4. The Hornets rattled off seven runs in the seventh frame and closed out the game on the defensive end with no additional runs allowed.
Lynchburg finished with 11 runs on 11 hits while drawing seven walks. Madden led the offense with three hits, including two doubles, and drove in four runs. Flora added three hits and three RBI, while Munitz collected a hit and an RBI. Warren contributed a pinch-hit RBI triple in the seventh.
On the mound, Trent Judd earned the win with four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits while striking out three. Nick Mattfield started and allowed four runs over five innings before Judd shut the door on the victory.
Next up, Lynchburg will take on Marshall, Texas regional winner East Texas Baptist for the NCAA Super Regional round. That best-of-three affair will take place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. Location is to-be-determined, so stay tuned on Lynchburg social media channels and lynchburgsports.com for more updates as they become available.
