Justin Manning led the seven run eighth inning with a bases loaded clearing double to push the nationally 27th-ranked University of Mount Olive Trojans ahead for good as they swept the series from King University with the 8-2 game three win in Conference Carolinas baseball in Bristol, Tenn. Bradon Reitano also had a 2-for-4 game with two RBI to add to the Trojans offensive performance.
Jay Gonzalez led off the game for the Trojans (24-11 Overall, 10-2 Conference Carolinas) with a single to second base. Gonzales used his speed to steal second and took third on a throwing error by the catcher. Reitano drove him in with a sacrifice fly out to left field and the first run of the game crossed.
Both teams stayed deadlocked for the next five innings as defense played tough not allowing a run to cross for either side.
The Tornado (12-24-1, 4-8) got their offense rolling in the seventh as they wanted to make a comeback. Garrett Cook singled to left field to lead off the inning. Tyler Gaby and Stephen Mullins both drew a walk on 3-1 counts to load the bases. Tyler Raymond brought in the only runs for King with a two RBI-single down the left field line and Gaby and Cook came in to retake the lead for the Tornado.
Mount Olive got the bats swinging in the eighth. Gonzales led off with a single into left field. Cody Britt came behind him and singled down the right field line on an attempted bunt and Gonzalez advanced to second. After a successful double steal, Reitano drove in the tying run with a RBI-single to center and Gonzales scored.
Reitano stole second on the next play and after a ground out Chase Edwards was intentionally walked. An infield fly halted any runners from advancing for the Trojans but the offensive was still cooking. Manning on 2-2 pitch hit a shot over the right fielder's head to plate three for a double to take the lead with Edwards, Reitano, and Britt scoring made the lead back in favor of Mount Olive 5-2. DeAndre Allen followed Manning's RBI-double with a RBI-double of his own down the left field line to plate the fifth run of the inning.
Zak Orrison came up next and knocked in Allen with a single to right field and Orrison moved to second on the throw home. On the next play Orrison stole second and ended up being allowed to score off a throwing error by the catcher and the big inning for Mount Olive was over.
King tried to rally in the ninth but a game ending double play thwarted any hopes of a comeback and Mount Olive took the series 3-0.
Josh Frederick (3-1) was credited with the win as he pitched three innings of shutout baseball. Frederick only gave up three hits and recorded three strikeouts in his final three innings of work.
Alexander Gonzales picked up the loss for King as he went eight innings allowing eight runs –seven earned- off nine hits and he also added nine strikeouts.
The Trojans have extended their win streak to seven games with the series sweep of King. They return to action tomorrow as they travel to Francis Marion for a single game contest in Florence, S.C. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.