Mount Olive, N.C. — King University baseball opened its Conference Carolinas weekend series with a strong offensive showing on Friday afternoon, collecting 16 hits and launching a pair of late-inning home runs, but ultimately fell 9–8 to Mount Olive at Scarborough Field. The Tornado (12–28, 9–16 CC) made multiple comeback pushes, including a three-run seventh and a two-run eighth, but the Trojans (20–18, 13–12 CC) held on to take the opener.
Despite the narrow loss, King's offense continued its recent surge, producing eight runs for the second straight game and showing resilience throughout all nine innings.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
King wasted no time getting on the board.
In the top of the first, Kale Richardson drove in the game's opening run with a groundout, scoring Justin Smith. Moments later, Tommy Regan ripped an RBI double down the left-field line to bring home Logan Janney, giving the Tornado a quick 2–0 lead.
Mount Olive responded with two in the second and four in the third, capitalizing on defensive miscues to take a 6–2 advantage.
Janney Powers a Seventh-Inning Comeback
Trailing by four, King stormed back in the seventh.
With two runners aboard, Logan Janney delivered the biggest swing of the day — a three-run home run to left, his first of two homers in the game, cutting the deficit to 6–5 and flipping momentum back to the Tornado dugout.
Mount Olive answered with three runs of its own in the bottom half, but King refused to go away.
Another Janney Blast Sparks Eighth-Inning Push
Janney struck again in the eighth, launching his second home run of the game, a two-run shot that brought King within 9–7.
The Tornado added another run in the ninth when Mason Meinke doubled to left-center to score Kenny Hirschfeld, making it a one-run game before Mount Olive secured the final out.
Offensive Leaders – King University
King's 16-hit performance marked one of its most productive outings of the season, with seven different players recording hits.
Pitching Notes
Starter Ben Hale battled through six innings, allowing just three earned runs despite Mount Olive capitalizing on defensive errors.
Connor Haynes and Kade Pomeroy combined for two innings of relief, with Pomeroy tossing a scoreless eighth.
Tornado Show Fight Heading Into Saturday
Even in defeat, King showcased:
- A powerful offense that continues to trend upward
- A lineup capable of producing big innings late
- Strong individual performances from Janney, Meinke, and Vidal
The Tornado will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's doubleheader.
Up Next
King and Mount Olive continue the series on Saturday, April 11, with a Conference Carolinas doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. at Scarborough Field.
