Williamsburg, Ky. — William Carey defeated Missouri Baptist 13-9 in a high-scoring game Monday night during the NAIA baseball tournament opening round.
The Crusaders jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Franklin Hernandez delivered a two-run single after a pair of walks and a double steal.
Missouri Baptist’s offense was dormant through the first three innings but came alive in the bottom of the fourth. The Spartans scored five runs on six hits, including Carlos Hidalgo’s three-run homer, to take a 5-2 lead. Angelo Franco and Kai Gray added RBI singles during the rally.
William Carey responded quickly in the top of the fifth. Hernandez hit a three-run homer to tie the game at 5-5. Missouri Baptist reclaimed the lead in the bottom half on Franco’s two-run homer, making it 7-5.
The game turned in the sixth inning when the Crusaders scored five runs despite just two hits. They capitalized on walks, hit-by-pitches, and a defensive error for a rally that put Carey ahead 10-7. RBI contributions from Taylor Walters, Hays Carley, Tyler Ducksworth, and Barron Frazer fueled the surge.
Carey added two runs in the seventh and another in the ninth, with Hernandez capping his performance with a run-scoring double. Missouri Baptist made a final push in the ninth, with Sam Paule hitting a two-run homer, but the rally fell short. The Crusaders secured the win with two routine flyouts.
Jimmie Johnson earned the win in relief, allowing two runs on four hits over four innings. William Carey will face the winner of Bryan College and Cumberlands (Ky.) on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Terry Stigall Field.
