Baseball Pulls Away Late With 11 Runs In Final Four Frames

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Rust College baseball program was in a tight game . . . until it wasn't. A 5-2 lead after five gradually expanded courtesy of a three-run sixth, four-run seventh, and a four-run ninth into an eventual laugher as the Bearcats swept Philander Smith with a 16-4 game three triumph.

The Basics: 

• Score

  • Rust – 16

  • Philander Smith – 4

• Records

  • Rust (11-23, 7-5 Gulf Coast)

  • Philander Smith (2-20, 2-9 Gulf Coast)

• Location

  • Little Rock, Arkansas – Lamar Porter Field

• Series History (Since 2023)

  • Rust Leads 5-1 (83.3%)

• Winning Streak (Since 2023)

  • Rust (W5) | Philander Smith's Last Win: April 14, 2023 (1-0)
    
    

Rust Top Performers:

• Jackson Bryant came one out short of a seven-frame complete game, but settled for his third victory after a four-run, seven-strikeout performance that was better than the box score indicated.

• Three separate student-athletes tied for the RBI crown with a trio apiece as Olin Evans emptied the loaded bases with his double, Jalik Demar walked in a run and drove in a pair on his two-bagger, and Kyrent Cole launched a two-run triple on top of a one-RBI single.

• The wildest line of the afternoon had to come from JaShaun Franks who went 2-for-3 with an unprecedented four walks in addition to three scores.

• Close behind Franks' day was probably either Xavier Campbell or Devin Tallington as the duo coaxed three walks each while combining to hit .500 (3-of-6) and scoring six times while the latter stole a bag and drove in one runner.

• Arvis Latting secured the sweep for RC, by hurling two scoreless innings as well as two Ks.

Next:

• Coach Bates' bunch will look to continue its recent dominance over LeMoyne-Owen winning its last four against the Magicians despite the program holding just a 5-17-1 record versus their NCAA Division II rivals over the past 13 seasons. First pitch of the Wednesday matinee is set for 2 p.m. inside Gameday Field.

#BatesBall | #PawsUp