TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University baseball showed grit, growth, and offensive firepower on Saturday, battling through a tough opener before erupting for an 11–5 victory in Game Two to split the doubleheader with nationally ranked North Greenville. The Tornado move to 3–6 (1–2 CC) on the season, while the Crusaders fall to 10–1 (2–1 CC) after suffering their first loss of the year.
GAME ONE: North Greenville 5, King 1
Tornado Strike First Behind Early Pressure
King wasted no time creating traffic on the bases. In the top of the first, Logan Janney walked, Misael Garcia singled, and Tommy Regan reached, loading the bases with one out. A wild pitch allowed Janney to score, giving the Tornado a 1–0 lead.
It would be King's only run of the game, but the early execution set a competitive tone.
Crusaders Answer and Build Momentum
North Greenville tied the game in the third on an RBI single from J. Foulks, then seized control in the fourth when C. McKee launched a three-run homer to right, pushing the Crusaders ahead 4–1.
Foulks added a solo home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 5–1.
Kirkland and Freiholtz Compete on the Road
Despite facing one of the nation's hottest offenses, King's pitching staff held firm:
The Tornado played error-free defense and turned a double play, but NGU's timely power proved the difference.
Game One Offensive Highlights
GAME TWO: King 11, North Greenville 5
Tornado Erupt for Six in the Second
King flipped the script in Game Two with its most explosive inning of the season.
The Tornado sent 10 batters to the plate in the second, highlighted by:
By the time the dust settled, King led 6–0 and had full control of the game.
Richardson's Three-Run Blast Extends the Lead
In the fourth, Kale Richardson continued his monster day, crushing a three-run homer to left to make it 9–0. The junior outfielder finished the game with three runs scored and three RBI, igniting the dugout with every swing.
Hirschfeld Adds Insurance With a Two-Run Shot
After NGU plated two in the fifth, King responded again in the sixth when Kenny Hirschfeld launched a two-run homer to left, pushing the lead to 11–2.
The Tornado offense finished with 13 hits, their most in a game this season.
Pitching Staff Closes the Door
King used four arms to secure the win:
- Mitchell Kahlenberg (W, 1–1): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K
- Dylan Willis: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 K
- Kade Pomeroy: 0.1 IP
- Jonathan Webster: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
Webster's late work quieted NGU's eighth-inning push and sealed King's biggest win of the season.
Game Two Offensive Highlights
- Kale Richardson: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
- Tommy Regan: 3-for-5, 2 R
- Adrian Vidal: 2-for-3, double, 2 RBI, 2 R
- Misael Garcia: 1-for-3, double, 2 RBI
- Dylan Adams: 2-for-5, RBI
- Christopher Rosario: 2-for-5
A Day of Growth, Grit, and Breakthrough Offense
Across the doubleheader, King showcased:
- A resilient pitching staff against a top-tier opponent
- A season-best 11-run performance in Game Two
- Multiple extra-base hits, including two home runs
- Clean defense in Game One and improved situational hitting
- Strong production from the middle of the order
The Tornado left Tigerville with momentum and a statement win.
Up Next
King returns home on Tuesday, Feb. 17, hosting Emory & Henry at the King Baseball Field.
