VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Auburn University at Montgomery baseball team (9-26; GSC: 5-17) powered past Valdosta State (11-23; GSC: 8-13) with a dominant 19-0 run-rule victory on Friday night at Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park. After a rain delay pushed back first pitch, the Warhawks showed no signs of slowing down, as the game was concluded after eight innings.
COACH FRANKLIN BUSH COMMENTS
"The guys went out and put a complete game together from start to finish. We were able to execute to the standard in every aspect of the game. It was a lot of fun seeing our guys in the dugout. The excitement around the game was something we want to find consistency in. Much like life, the game of baseball can beat you down. It's all about how you respond."
HOW IT HAPPENED
AUM wasted no time getting on the board in the opening inning. Christopher McNeill and Cannon Miller each recorded singles to set the table before Luke Turner drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single to right center, giving AUM a 1-0 lead.
The Warhawks broke things open in the second inning, plating three runs on four hits. Brice Ainsworth, Kyle Hipp, McNeill, and Miller delivered hits, helping extend the lead to 4-0.
AUM continued to apply pressure in the third, as McNeill came through again with a two-RBI double to right center, pushing the advantage to 6-0, scoring John Kiebler and Hipp.
The fourth inning saw the Warhawks add four more runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Ainsworth. Luke Turner and shortstop Tucker Burns both had singles in the top of the frame. McNeill added a sacrifice fly, and Chance Sweeney drove in a run with an RBI single as AUM extended its lead to 10-0.
The offense stayed relentless in the fifth inning, scoring five runs. McNeill added another two-RBI single, Ainsworth drove in a run with a base hit, and both Kiebler and Hipp contributed RBIs to make it 15-0.
AUM capped off the scoring in the sixth inning with four more runs. Sweeney and Miller each delivered RBI singles, while the Warhawks also capitalized on productive outs, including a pair of sacrifice flies, to stretch the lead to 19-0.
On the mound, Drew Cashin was dominant in his start, setting the tone with several scoreless innings while allowing minimal traffic. He limited the Blazers to one hit.
Out of the bullpen, Huston Wynne continued the shutout effort, closing out the final innings. The duo allowed no runs, as the Warhawks' pitching staff held the Valdosta State Blazers scoreless through all eight innings.
Notables
Christopher McNeill led the Warhawks, going 4-for-4 with a season high of seven RBIs, a double, and two sacrifice flies.
Brice Ainsworth recorded a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate with four runs scored, three RBIs, and a double.
Cannon Miller added three hits, including a double, while driving in two runs and recording 10 putouts behind the plate.
Chance Sweeney scored three runs and added two hits, two RBIs, and a stolen base in the win.
Kyle Hipp reached base five times, finishing with two hits, three walks, three runs scored, and two RBIs.
Tucker Burns scored three runs and drew two walks.
John Kiebler contributed two RBIs and added a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly.
As a team, AUM totaled 19 runs on 19 hits with 10 walks, posting a 1.229 OPS in the contest.
The Warhawks pitching staff combined for a one-hit shutout, allowing just two walks while striking out 10.
AUM held Valdosta State to a .229 OPS and just one hit across eight innings.
Starting pitcher, Drew Cashin, improved to (3-3) on the season.
Up Next
The orange and black will be back for the doubleheader against the Blazers on Saturday, April 4 at the Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park, with the first pitch set for noon.
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