King Baseball Drops Doubleheader and Series to Belmont Abbey

Bristol, Tenn. – King University baseball closed out its Conference Carolinas weekend series on Saturday, falling in both games of a doubleheader to Belmont Abbey at the King Baseball Field. The Tornado (10–19) were held to one run across the two contests, while the Crusaders (21–8) used timely hitting and strong pitching to complete the series sweep.

Belmont Abbey took Game One 6–0 behind a dominant complete-game performance, then claimed Game Two 9–1 after a five-run first inning set the tone.

Game One: Crusaders Control the Middle Innings in 6–0 Final

Belmont Abbey broke a scoreless start with a three-run third inning, capitalizing on a pair of singles and a fielder's choice to take a 3–0 lead. The Crusaders added a run in the fifth and two more in the seventh, highlighted by a two-run double from Joe Whitaker.

King managed three hits in the game, with Misael Garcia, Tommy Regan, and Kenny Hirschfeld each recording singles. Belmont Abbey starter Spencer Cipro went the distance, allowing just three hits with two strikeouts.

Rohde Kirkland worked 6.1 innings for the Tornado, striking out three while allowing six runs.

Game Two: Early Surge Pushes Belmont Abbey Ahead

Belmont Abbey opened the second game with a five-run first inning, including a three-run home run from Whitaker and RBI from Jacob Steinberg and Jack Boyles. King answered with a run in the bottom half when Justin Smith singled home Jose Ruiz, but the Crusaders maintained control throughout.

Belmont Abbey added three more runs in the fifth and another in the seventh to extend the lead to 9–1.

King collected eight hits in the game, led by Smith's two-hit performance. Ruiz reached base three times with a double and two walks, while Kale Richardson, Tommy Regan, Logan Janney, Adrian Vidal, and Josh Nuno each added hits.

Gavin True started for King, while Connor Haynes, Kade Pomeroy, Dylan Willis, and Aidan Ricker combined for 8.2 innings of relief.

Offensive Leaders – King University

Game One

• Misael Garcia: 1-for-3
• Tommy Regan: 1-for-3
• Kenny Hirschfeld: 1-for-3

Game Two

• Justin Smith: 2-for-3, RBI
• Jose Ruiz: 1-for-3, 2 walks, double
• Kale Richardson: 1-for-3
• Adrian Vidal: 1-for-4, double
• Josh Nuno: 1-for-2

Up Next

The Tornado return home on Tuesday, March 24, hosting UVA Wise for a nonconference doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the King Baseball Field.