HUNTINGTON, WV – The Spalding University baseball team swept a thrilling doubleheader against Hampden-Sydney College at Jack Cook Field on Saturday, erupting for a historic offensive showcase in Game 1 before coming from behind in the final inning to snatch Game 2. With the sweep, the Golden Eagles improve their season record to 22-10.

Game One: Spalding 22, Hampden-Sydney 4 (7 Innings)
Spalding set the tone for the day immediately in Game One, treating fans to an absolute offensive masterclass. The Golden Eagles dominated in all facets to run-rule the Tigers 22-4, pounding out 18 hits and capitalizing on multiple free passes.

Spalding got out to a quick 3-2 lead after the first inning, keyed by a two-run triple off the bat of Logan Strong. By the end of the third inning, it was a 12-2 runaway. The scoring continued relentlessly with three runs in the fourth and a six-run fifth inning that effectively put the game away.

Catcher Logan Strong had a monster game at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a triple, a double, four runs scored, and four RBIs. Brayden Caldemeyer was a catalyst, crossing the plate five times while going 4-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. Cayden Tucker also plated four runs for the Golden Eagles, and AJ Lopez ripped a pair of doubles while adding three RBIs.

On the mound, starter Caden Krystofiak (4-2) picked up the win, throwing five innings. He settled in nicely after a bumpy first inning, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits while racking up seven strikeouts. Payton Helmerich pitched two flawless frames in relief to close out the victory.

Game Two: Spalding 10, Hampden-Sydney 9
If Game One was a rout, Game Two was a nail-biter. Spalding found themselves trailing 9-7 heading into the final frame but orchestrated a clutch three-run ninth inning to stun Hampden-Sydney and secure the sweep.

The Golden Eagles originally took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI sac-fly from Strong and a Hampden-Sydney error, but the Tigers battled back, bringing the score to 3-3 by the third after a solo home run by AJ Lopez. The teams traded runs back and forth through the middle innings, but an RBI double from Hampden-Sydney's Greer Farr in the bottom of the eighth gave the Tigers a 9-7 edge.

Refusing to go quietly in the top of the ninth, Spalding's rally was helped along by two crucial passed balls by Hampden-Sydney. Jesse Walter and Ryan Eubanks capitalized on the misplays to score, while an RBI groundout by Eli Nutter plated Strong to push Spalding ahead 10-9.

Reliever Cameron Rayborn (6-1) slammed the door shut in the final two innings, allowing just one run while striking out two to earn the win for Spalding.

Brayden Caldemeyer remained red-hot at the plate in the second game, going 3-for-6 with two doubles and a triple. Lopez finished 2-for-5 with his solo blast, and Xavier Rahman added two hits and an RBI.

Up Next
Spalding looks to keep the bats hot when they travel to face Principia College on Tuesday, April 21, at 4:00 PM ET.