GASTONIA, N.C. — King University baseball delivered its most complete postseason performance in years on Wednesday afternoon, erupting for 10 runs on 12 hits to defeat Emmanuel 10–6 in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Baseball Championship Play-In Game at CaroMont Health Park. The Tornado (14–36) used early power, timely hitting, and a strong outing from veteran right-hander Ben Hale to punch their ticket to the next round of the tournament.
The win marks King's first postseason victory since joining Conference Carolinas baseball and showcased a lineup firing on all cylinders.
First Inning Statement: Janney Goes Deep
King wasted no time setting the tone.
With one on and one out, Logan Janney turned on a 0–1 pitch and launched a two-run homer to left, scoring Justin Smith and giving the Tornado a quick 2–0 lead.
The early blast energized the King dugout and set the stage for a high-scoring afternoon.
Emmanuel Responds in the Second
The Lions answered with a three-run second inning:
- A passed ball allowed Nick Madrigal to score
- Haidyn McGill followed with a two-run single to right-center
Emmanuel briefly took a 3–2 lead, but it would be their only advantage of the game.
Fourth Inning Momentum Swing
King regained control in the fourth.
- Janney was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game 3–3
- Tommy Regan followed with a clutch two-run single through the right side, scoring Justin Smith and Jose Ruiz
The Tornado surged back in front 5–3, a lead they would not relinquish.
Fifth Inning: Smith Delivers a Big Swing
King kept the pressure on in the fifth.
With two runners aboard, Justin Smith ripped a two-run double to left-center, scoring Ruiz and Adrian Vidal to extend the lead to 7–3.
Smith finished the day with two hits, two RBI, and two walks, reaching base four times.
Sixth Inning Fireworks: Garcia Goes Yard
The Tornado delivered their biggest blow in the sixth.
Misael Garcia crushed a three-run homer down the right-field line, scoring Kenny Hirschfeld and Regan to push the lead to 10–3.
It was Garcia's first postseason home run and the swing that ultimately put the game out of reach.
Emmanuel Attempts a Rally
The Lions fought back in the sixth with a two-run double from Aiden Malish, trimming the deficit to 10–5. They added another run in the eighth on a McGill RBI single, but King's bullpen held firm.
Pitching Leads the Way: Hale Earns the Win
Ben Hale delivered a gritty postseason start, earning the win (4–6):
- 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 5 runs, 4 strikeouts
- Worked out of multiple jams
- Held Emmanuel scoreless in four of his six innings
The bullpen trio of Dylan Willis, Kade Pomeroy, and Jonathan Webster combined for 3.1 innings of one-run relief to secure the victory.
Offensive Leaders – King University
- Justin Smith: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 walks, 2 runs
- Logan Janney: HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs
- Tommy Regan: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 walks
- Misael Garcia: HR, 3 RBI
- Jose Ruiz: 3-for-4, run, SB
- Jacob Eargle: 1-for-4, 2 runs
King played error-free baseball, turned a double play, and had six different players reach base multiple times.
A Statement Win to Open the Postseason
The Tornado showcased:
- Explosive offense with 10 runs across four innings
- Power from Janney and Garcia
- Clutch hitting with runners in scoring position
- Strong pitching depth
- Clean, composed defense in a postseason environment
King advances with confidence and momentum as they move deeper into the Conference Carolinas Championship bracket.
Up Next
King advances to face North Greenville on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia, N.C.
The Tornado will look to continue their postseason surge against one of the league's perennial contenders.
