Emory, Va. — King University baseball continued its recent offensive surge on Tuesday afternoon, piling up 11 runs on 15 hits in a back-and-forth matchup at Emory & Henry. Despite a late push that included back-to-back home runs in the ninth, the Tornado (12–27) came up short in a 16–11 road contest against the Wasps (11–25).
The game featured scoring in every direction — five home runs, 31 total hits, and multiple multi-run innings — with King showing resilience throughout the afternoon.
Early Punches and a Quick Answer
King struck first in the opening inning when Mitchell Victor drove a single through the right side to score Josh Nuno, giving the Tornado a 1–0 lead. Emory & Henry responded with three runs in the bottom half, but King quickly countered in the third.
Regan Goes Deep
Senior first baseman Tommy Regan launched a solo home run to center — his second in as many games — trimming the deficit to 3–2.
Moments later, Mason Meinke lifted a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Victor and tying the game 3–3.
Middle Innings: Wasps Build a Lead, King Keeps Battling
Emory & Henry used a series of unearned runs and timely hits to build an 11–3 advantage through six innings, but King refused to fade.
The Tornado bullpen steadied the game behind Aidan Ricker, who tossed 1.1 scoreless innings, and Bradley Anderson, who helped bridge the middle frames.
Eighth Inning Rally Sparks Momentum
King's offense came alive again in the eighth, producing a four-run surge:
- Meinke singled home Victor
- Misael Garcia ripped an RBI double to left-center
- Jose Ruiz delivered a two-run single up the middle
The rally cut the deficit to 11–7 and reignited the Tornado dugout.
Ninth Inning Fireworks
King saved its biggest swings for the final frame.
Victor and Meinke Go Back-to-Back
The four-run inning brought King within striking distance at 16–11, showcasing the team's fight until the final out.
Offensive Leaders – King University
- Mason Meinke: 4-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 runs
- Mitchell Victor: 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs, SB
- Tommy Regan: HR, 2 runs, RBI
- Logan Janney: 2-for-5, double, run
- Misael Garcia: 1-for-2, RBI double, run
- Jose Ruiz: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
King recorded five extra-base hits and had seven different players drive in runs.
Despite the Loss, Plenty of Positives
Even on the road, King showed:
- One of its best offensive performances of the season
- A lineup that continues to produce up and down the order
- Late-game resilience with eight runs in the final two innings
- Strong individual outings from Victor and Meinke, who combined for three home runs and seven RBI
The Tornado have now scored 33 runs over their last three games, signaling a team trending upward at the plate.
Up Next
King now turns its attention back to Conference Carolinas play, hitting the road for a Friday matchup at Mount Olive. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. ET on April 10, where the Tornado will look to carry their recent offensive momentum into another key league showdown.
