HATTIESBURG, Miss. — William Carey used a six-run sixth inning to pull away from Southern University and secure an 11-6 victory Tuesday at Milton Wheeler Field.
Southern struck first in the top of the first inning when Dylan Jimenez lined an RBI single to center field to bring home Christian Soto. William Carey responded in the bottom half, with Taylor Walters singling in DeeJay Booth to tie the game at 1.
The Knights took the lead in the second inning without a hit, as Darion Wallace advanced on a wild pitch and later scored on a passed ball to make it 2-1. William Carey responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Hays Carley, along with a wild pitch and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that pushed the Crusaders ahead 5-2.
Southern cut the deficit to two in the third on a fielder’s choice scored by Jhemmal Geraldo. The game remained close through the next two innings, with both teams working out of trouble as Carey maintained a 5-3 lead.
The Knights pulled within one in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Peyton Strahan, scoring Kenny Rhodes. William Carey responded with a six-run inning, sending 10 batters to the plate. The rally was fueled by four hits, three walks, and two hit batters. Key contributions included a walk by Jayden Mark, a two-RBI single from Franklin Hernandez, and two bases-loaded walks, which pushed the lead to 11-4.
Southern made a final push in the seventh, with Miles Bowens launching a two-run home run to left field, reducing the margin to 11-6. William Carey’s bullpen held the lead, allowing just one runner in each of the final two innings. Gage Hinnant finished the game with a scoreless ninth to seal the victory.
The Crusaders will next face Loyola University in New Orleans on Friday, April 10. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Segnette Field.
