TBC Eagles Baseball participated in the title game of the first NCCAA Division 2 Invitational Tournament since 2006, winning 2 of the four games they played and making it to the championship contest against Arlington Baptist University. The Eagles pounded out 12 hits and scored 4 runs, but the ABU defense made several terrific plays in the clutch, and the Patriots offense had a big fifth inning as part of their 14 runs to win the title.

Arlington Baptist 14, Eagles 4

TBC scored single runs in the bottom of the third and fifth innings and added two more in the seventh. Trailing 2-0 as they came up in the third, Jacob Brigman walked, and Seth Reeves reached on an error to put runners at second and third. Graham Gorman singled to drive in Brigman. The Eagles loaded the bases again, but Gavin Williams's vicious line drive found third baseman Francisco Achoa's glove, and Achoa threw to first to complete an inning-ending double play.

In the fifth, Trinity got the first two men aboard on base hits from Brigman and Reeves. One out later, McGann drove in Brigman with a base hit. The Patriots then turned another inning-ending double play on a hard grounder to the right side.

Ryan Onkst completed the scoring in the seventh. Again, Brigman (single) and Reeves (walk) were the base runners, and Onkst laced a double to bring them both in.

McGann (3), Onkst (2), Williams (2), Brigman (2), Gorman, Reeves, and Larson Lott combined for the 12 hits.

ABU's Jacob Ovalle drove in 4 runs, and Nathan Duvall had a 3-run triple. Duvall also pitched 6 innings for the win.

Brigman, Lott Named to All-Tournament Roster

Of the nine men selected to the All-Tournament Roster, Jacob Brigman and Larson Lott are the two Eagles given the honor, though many more could lay claim.

Brigman pitched a complete game against Arlington Baptist on Thursday, allowing just 2 earned runs on 5 hits while walking 5 and striking out 6. At the plate, he was 4 for 10 (.400) with 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 6 runs scored in three total games played.

[Jacob Brigman was All-Tournament on the mound and at the plate. PHOTO: Reese Couture, NCCAA]

Lott was 8 for 16 (.500) with 1 walk, 1 hit batsman, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 5 runs scored in four games played as both designated hitter and catcher.

[Larson Lott makes the All-Tournament Roster. PHOTO: Reese Couture, NCCAA] 

More Highlights

TEAM: 2-2, 38 runs scored, .351 batting average, 9 doubles, 19 walks, 31 RBI, 13 stolen bases.

• Logan McGann: 7 for 16, 3 BB, 4 R, 2 RBI
• Gavin Williams: 6 for 13, 1 BB, 3 R, 4 RBI
• Seth Reeves: 5 for 12, 4 BB, 4 RBI, 4 R
• Ryan Onkst: 5 RBI
• Nate Nogueras, Graham Gorman: 3 RBI each
• Gavin Comer: W, 5 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K

Next Up

The Eagles will return home for their first games at Trinity Ballyard when they battle NAIA New College of Florida in a three-game series on February 21 and 22. A trip to NAIA Thomas University for a double-header follows on February 25 before the team prepares for the annual Russ-Matt Invitational for the next six games between February 28 and March 8 in the Orlando area.

[The Eagles and Patriots close out in prayer. PHOTO: Reese Couture, NCCAA]