Bob Jones University fell 6-2 this morning to Carolina University in game one of the NCCAA South Regional tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. The BJU Bruins recorded two runs, five hits and only saw one error in the seven inning game.
"Henry Wallach had a great day on the mound and our bats produced several base runners, but we just couldn't get them across the plate," said Head Coach Brent Casteel. "It was a great effort all around."
The BJU Bruins entered the postseason as the #6 seed and would face a familiar foe in #3 Carolina University. The two programs met four times throughout the 2023 season with Carolina University sweeping the season series.
As this morning's game got underway, the Bruins looked to Henry Wallach on the mound.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Bruins had a glimse of a scoring opportunity as Pablo Austin opened the inning with a massive hit to left field for a double. Austin then advanced to third after Daniel Barcena grounded out to second. With Gabe Swarms up to bat, he hit the ball towards third base and as Austin looked to score he was caught between third and home plate.
An RBI single in the top of the fifth saw Carolina break the deadlock to tally the first run of the game. Carolina University looked to add to their score in the sixth inning with the bases loaded but came up empty as the BJU Bruins battled to keep them from increasing their lead.
As the bottom of the sixth came around, Gabe Swarms came up big with a well-timed hit to left field for an RBI single to score Conley Burk. Bob Jones looked to record another, but a double play by Carolina ended the inning with the score tied at one run apiece.
After Carolina recorded three more runs in the top of the final inning, Jerry Parker came in to relieve Henry Wallach as pitcher. The CU Bruins tallied two additional runs to take the 6-1 lead.
Bob Jones looked to rally as they came up to their final at bat of the game. Zay Brandt doubled to left center field to go into scoring position with just one out. Conley Burk then reached first on an error giving Brandt the chance to cross home and score once more for the Bruins.
After seven innings of play, the Bob Jones fell 6-2 to Carolina University in game one of the NCCAA South Regional tournament.
The Bruins are back on the field Tuesday morning for an 11:30 a.m. contest. In the double elimination game, they will face off against the loser of today's game 4 matchup. Bracket and tournament info can be found
here.
