Bristol, Tenn. — King University baseball opened its Conference Carolinas weekend series with a convincing offensive showcase in Game One before dropping a tight, low-scoring Game Two against Ferrum College on Friday afternoon. The Tornado (11–26) pounded out 16 hits and 14 runs in the opener, highlighted by home runs from Tommy Regan and Kale Richardson, while Ben Hale delivered a strong six-inning outing to secure the victory. Ferrum (15–17) edged out a 2–0 pitcher's duel in the nightcap, setting up an important Day Two showdown on Saturday.
Game One: Tornado Offense Explodes in 14–6 Victory
King wasted no time setting the tone, answering Ferrum's early run with a five-run first inning fueled by disciplined at-bats and timely hitting.
After Justin Smith and Tommy Regan crossed the plate on a defensive miscue, Adrian Vidal delivered the first big swing of the day — a three-run double to center, clearing the bases and giving King a 5–1 lead.
The Tornado kept rolling in the second inning.
Tommy Regan launched a three-run home run to left, his first of the season, stretching the lead to 8–1. Moments later, Vidal added another RBI with a single to left, pushing the advantage to 9–1.
Ferrum chipped away with runs in the third and fifth, but King's offense never slowed.
In the sixth, Kale Richardson crushed a solo home run to left, and Kenny Hirschfeld followed with an RBI single to make it 11–5.
King sealed the win with a three-run seventh inning, highlighted by:
- A sacrifice fly from Richardson
- An RBI double from Regan
- An RBI single from Misael Garcia
Pitching Standout
Ben Hale earned the win, tossing 6.0 innings with five strikeouts while allowing just four earned runs.
Connor Haynes closed the final three innings, striking out four and allowing only one run.
Game One Offensive Leaders
- Tommy Regan: 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs
- Adrian Vidal: 2-for-5, 4 RBI, double
- Kale Richardson: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
- Justin Smith: 2-for-4, 3 runs
- Kenny Hirschfeld: 3-for-4, RBI
- Misael Garcia: 2-for-4, RBI
- Logan Janney: 1-for-4, 3 runs, SB
King's 16-hit performance marked one of its most complete offensive outings of the season.
Game Two: Pitching Duel Goes to Ferrum, 2–0
The nightcap flipped the script entirely, turning into a tight, defensive battle where both pitching staffs dominated.
Ferrum scored both of its runs in the third inning — one on a throwing error and another on a sacrifice fly — but neither team found the scoreboard again.
King received a brilliant performance from Rohde Kirkland, who threw a complete game, allowing just six hits and zero earned runs while striking out six. His efficiency kept the Tornado within striking distance all afternoon.
Offensively, King had opportunities, including hits from Justin Smith and Logan Janney, but Ferrum starter Hunter Carlson worked out of trouble repeatedly to secure the shutout.
Game Two Highlights
Despite the loss, King's pitching and defense kept the game close from start to finish.
Up Next
King and Ferrum return to the diamond on Saturday, April 4, for the final game of the Conference Carolinas series at 11 a.m. at the King Baseball Field.
