Eagles Come Out on Top of Two Extra Inning Games at Bluefield.

Bluefield, VA - In a suspense-filled opener of a doubleheader at Bowen Field in Bluefield, Virginia, Reinhardt Baseball claimed a narrow 7-6 victory over the Bluefield Rams in game one of the doubleheader. Game two was just as tight, but the Eagles edged out the Rams in the eighth inning of the seven-inning game to win 9-5. The two wins on Saturday have the Eagles sitting in first place of the AAC with just one week to go in the regular season.

Game One

The Eagles, led by standout performances from Robert Phelps and Luca Boscarino, showcased resilience and strategic prowess to secure the win in this critical NAIA baseball contest.

Robert Phelps was a pivotal player, scoring two runs, driving in another, and hitting a crucial home run in the 5th inning. His all-around performance was instrumental in setting the tone for the Eagles. In the leadoff spot, Phelps was 2 for 5 in the game with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

The Eagles rallied late in the game with a significant push in the 7th inning, where they scored four runs, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Nash Crowell, Barry Eiseman, and Adrian Vargas all had RBIs in the seventh, which brought the Eagles back to even in the game at six all.

Starting pitcher Tate Dearing played a vital role throughout the game, managing the Rams' hitters effectively and setting up his team for the win. Dearing pitched six innings, recording five strikeouts and scattering six hits. He only had one earned run against him in the game. Hunter Paulsen and Brett Allen came in to relieve Dearing, with Paulsen putting in one inning of scoreless baseball.  Allen finished out the game, pitching the eighth through the eleventh innings.  In four innings, Allen had an incredible nine strikeouts and did not give up a hit or run.  Allen is coming into top form right in time for the postseason play.

Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers

The game reached its climax in the 11th inning when Luca Boscarino delivered a game-winning single, bringing Jacob Mantooth home to break the tie and put the Eagles ahead. Allen finished out the game in the bottom of the inning to secure the game one victory.

Game Two

Reinhardt had another extra-inning game in game two of the doubleheader with Bluefield.  The Eagles errupted with four runs in the top of the eighth inning to break a 5-5.  Adrian Vargas stole the show with his three run triple that scored Nash Crowell, Robert Phelps, and Cade Chamlee.  Later in the inning, Jacob Mantooth singled to score Vargas.

The standout performance came from Louis Dion, who not only scored but also drove in four runs throughout the game. The turning point in the game came early as Louis Dion delivered a two-run single in the 2nd inning, scoring Chamlee and Ethan Moore. His other RBIs came in the six inning on a single that scored Chamlee again and Luca Boxcarino.

Adam Christopher was the starting pitcher for the Eagles, and his efforts on the mound helped to keep the Rams at bay throughout the game. He was helped by four other members of the RU pitching staff. Ben Medley, Hunter Paulsen, Logan Lynch, and Brett Allen all pitched at least an inning for the Eagles to help in the win.  Allen reaped the benefits in the eighth inning run barrage and he closed down the Rams with three strikeouts and only allowing one hit. Paulsen and Allen saw their second action of the day and both pitched fine.

Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers

The Eagles showcased their competitive edge and maintained their strong season record, now standing impressively at 35-9 and 21-6 in the AAC.  This upcoming week will right the ending to this 2025 regular season and the Eagles have control of how it will finish out.  Tuesday's game is on the road at Cumberland University in Tennessee, then the finale will be in Waleska for a Friday/Saturday AAC series with CIU.