Eagles Take 2 of 3 from #2 Ranked Tennessee Wesleyan

David Finney

Waleska, GA - Eagles Baseball had an eventful weekend of baseball - both during games and around the games. Because of weather concerns, the typical Saturday doubleheader was moved to Friday. The doubleheader was proceeded by a dedication ceremony in remembrance of Neyland Pickel. Neyland was a little boy from Tennessee that had battled cancer for a period, but unfortunately, he lost the battle. He was "adopted" by the Tennessee Wesleyan Baseball Team in 2019 where he and his family became part of the TW Baseball family. Coach Burton and the Reinhardt Baseball Team dedicated the day to Neyland with a ceremony and memorial for him. There will be a full release on Neyland and the ceremony coming soon with more details. To read more on Neyland, please visit: https://www.dailypostathenian.com/news/article_89d86097-590d-531e-b422-ebdf28f4a601.html

The doubleheader day also had the honoring of the seniors between games on Friday. Xavier Arnette, Jaily Paredes, Pablo Barquero, Albert Mora, and Nick Sanders were all recognized for their service and dedication to the Reinhardt Baseball Program and Reinhardt University. The Eagles were able to win both games surrounded by the pre and post-game events and on Saturday, the two played again for the third game of the series. Although it was a great game with a lot of ups and downs, the Eagles would come up slightly short losing 7-6. They were able to take 2 out of 3 which is not bad playing one of the top teams in the NAIA. It was a good test to see where the Eagles stand as the regular season starts to wind down and they have proven that they can play with the best.

Jordan Hampton would get the start in game three and he pitched great getting in six innings. He only was able to record one strikeout, however, he held the Bulldogs scoreless for four of the six innings he pitched. He was relieved by the young left-hander from Acworth, Hunter Paulsen, and then shortly later in the same inning - Parker Miller would come in to pitch the rest of the way. The Eagles ran into a little trouble once Hampton left the game as Tennessee Wesleyan was able to take the lead. They scored three in the seventh which gave them the narrow 6-5 lead. Nick Sanders was able to tie the game back at 6 all with a solo home run to right field. It was a ball that was hit long and far. The eighth inning would be scoreless for both teams, but the Bulldogs were able to get one run in the top of the ninth which ended up being the game-winner.

The Eagles were able to get some offense going in this game and Nick Sanders was the leader in that department for this game. Sanders went 2 for 5 and had the solo shot in the seventh that tied the game. Xavier Arnette had another impressive game where he hit a long, rocket shot to the scoreboard which sits just outside the right-field fence. The ball left the park so fast and hard that it struck the scoreboard and bounced several yards back into the playing field. Dalton Turnbow and Patrick Baggett both had doubles in this game.

The Eagles battled toe-to-toe with Tennessee Wesleyan and gave them a tough game on Saturday that could have easily gone the other way. The Eagles will have a few days off before they play again on Wednesday for a single game with Faulkner. After that, the Eagles will have two more conference weekend series with Bryan and CIU to end the regular season. After that, it is preparation time for the AAC Tournament.