GASTONIA, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive baseball team delivered a rollercoaster performance in the Conference Carolinas Tournament, falling just short in a high-scoring opener before bouncing back in commanding fashion to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Mount Olive opened tournament play Thursday with a thrilling but ultimately heartbreaking 13-11 loss to No. 24 Belmont Abbey College.
The game began as a pitcher’s duel, with All-Conference selection Aidan Newton holding the Crusaders scoreless through the early innings. Newton struck out eight batters across six innings, keeping the Trojans in contention against the nationally ranked opponent.
Mount Olive struck first in the third inning when Garrett Moffett doubled to ignite the offense, followed by a two-run home run from Mac James to give the Trojans a 2-0 lead. Belmont Abbey quickly responded, tying the game before surging ahead with a four-run fourth inning.
Despite trailing, Mount Olive refused to back down. Lane McLean’s three-run homer in the seventh cut the deficit to one, and the Trojans delivered a dramatic eighth inning. Rowan Watt opened the frame with a solo home run before McLean crushed his second homer of the game—a go-ahead grand slam—to give Mount Olive a 10-8 lead.
However, Belmont Abbey capitalized on walks, hit batters, and timely hitting in the bottom of the eighth, scoring five runs to regain control. Watt added another solo homer in the ninth, but the Trojans’ comeback effort fell just short.
Facing elimination less than 24 hours later, Mount Olive responded emphatically Friday, defeating Erskine College 8-4 to extend its tournament run.
The Trojans wasted no time taking control, erupting for six runs in the first inning. Rowan Watt and Ryder Hancock each drove in runs before Mac James delivered the decisive blow—a three-run home run to cap the explosive start.
Jakhari Howard continued the offensive surge in the second inning with an RBI double, pushing the lead to 7-0. Howard later added a bases-loaded walk to help maintain the Trojans’ advantage.
On the mound, Carson Gipson delivered a complete-game performance, pitching all nine innings while allowing four runs on 12 hits and striking out four to earn his ninth win of the season.
Erskine attempted to rally, cutting the deficit to 8-4 in the seventh inning, but Mount Olive’s defense held firm. The Trojans retired six of the final seven batters to seal the victory and eliminate Erskine from the tournament.
With momentum on their side, Mount Olive now prepares for a tough challenge against top-seeded and No. 3 nationally ranked North Greenville University. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Saturday as the Trojans continue their postseason push in Gastonia.
