Newport News, VA - In their first-ever match-up against nationally ranked #13 Christopher Newport University and the first time facing a Top-25 baseball program in program history, the Regent University Baseball team delivered a strong, competitive performance on Sunday afternoon. Though the final score was 4-1 in favor of the Captains, the Royals showed they were not a typical start-up team, proving they belong on the same field with the best teams in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference..
Junior Will Maloney (Midlothian, VA) took the ball for Regent and turned in a strong six-inning outing, scattering five hits and allowing four runs (only two earned) while striking out three and walking four. He kept the game within striking distance, surrendering single runs in the first, second, and third innings before the Royals answered in the fourth. This season, batters are only hitting .224 off Maloney and overall he has only walked a total of nine batters. In addition, he has a WHIP of 1.02, the C2C' second best ERA of 2.05 and is second in the Conference with 46 strikeouts.
That fourth-inning rally was the highlight of the afternoon as Freshman Dylan Oblepias (Katy, TX) reached on a fielder's choice, and Freshman Caleb Wood (Glen Allen, VA) drew a walk. Junior Ethan Loucks (Montpelier, VA) delivered a clutch single through the right side to put runners on second and third, setting the stage for Freshman Colton Sandiford (Seaford, VA) who hit a single to center field, scoring Oblepias to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Royals' bats collected four hits overall, while drawing three walks. The bullpen also provided another bright spot as Sophomore Austin Shackelford (Gloucester, VA) came on in relief in the seventh and threw two perfect innings with three ground outs and three fly outs.Â
Regent will be back in action on Monday, April 13th when they face Virginia Wesleyan University. This will be the fourth time the two teams have met this season. First pitch is at 3:00pm.
