CENTRAL, S.C. — King University baseball closed out its Conference Carolinas series on Saturday but couldn't overcome a pair of big innings from Southern Wesleyan, falling 11–5 in the finale. The Tornado move to 4–9 overall, while the Warriors improve to 5–9 after taking the rubber match.
Tornado Strike First with Four-Run Third
After falling behind 1–0 in the opening inning, King responded with authority in the third. Misael Garcia singled and later scored on an RBI hit from Josh Nuno to tie the game.
Moments later, Kenny Hirschfeld delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon — a three-run home run to left — giving the Tornado a 4–1 lead and continuing his strong weekend at the plate.
Warriors Answer with Back-to-Back Big Innings
Southern Wesleyan flipped the momentum in the fourth, scoring four runs to even the game at 4–4 before taking the lead on an RBI single. The Warriors added four more in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run single and a two-run double, stretching the advantage to 9–4.
Two additional runs in the sixth pushed the deficit to 11–4.
King Pushes Late but Can't Close the Gap
The Tornado added a run in the seventh when Garcia doubled home Logan Janney, trimming the margin to 11–5. King put runners on base in the eighth and ninth but couldn't mount a final rally.
Despite the loss, the Tornado collected 11 hits and continued to show offensive depth throughout the lineup.
Offensive Highlights
King finished the day with 11 hits, including two doubles and Hirschfeld's home run.
Pitching Notes
Mitchell Kahlenberg made the start, working 4.1 innings with one strikeout. RJ Freiholtz handled the final 3.2 innings, striking out three.
Series Summary
Across the three-game set, King showed:
- Strong power production, including multiple home runs
- Consistent contributions from the top and middle of the order
- Competitive innings throughout the series despite big swings from SWU
The Tornado took Game One of the doubleheader Friday before dropping the final two games.
Up Next
King heads back on the road for a midweek matchup on Wednesday, February 25, traveling to Mars Hill for a 2:00 p.m. first pitch
