After dropping game one of their final series with rival John Melvin Christian College (FL) on Friday 5-4, the John Melvin University (LA) Millers bounced back for a Saturday sweep of the Mohawks on Senior Night 10-1 and 4-1.

Game one was a classic pitcher’s duel that didn’t go the way of the Millers. In the final home start of his college career, JMU ace Gavin LeBlanc gave his third double-digit strikeout performance of the season (three more nine-strikeout games as well), on his way to a stellar six-inning, four-hit, ten-strikeout, two-earned-run performance. Caleb Ougel entered the game in relief to throw the remaining three innings of the game, allowing just one hit, striking out two, and allowing one run. Unfortunately, it was the one hit that JMCC needed to win their first game of the season against JMU as it was a triple to score the eventual game-winning run. It was a difficult day for the Miller offense, finding a way to get runners on base throughout the game but struggling to find the big hit they needed. Andrew Ashby came up big with a two RBI double in the 5th inning to tie the game in the 5th inning, but the offense was never able to break the tie.

Game two of the series was all Millers from the start. Making the final home start of his career, senior pitcher Troy Morel was spectacular, throwing a five-inning complete game shutout, allowing just two baserunners all game and punching out seven Mohawks. Two Millers picked up multi-hit games in the contest, led by Taylor Walters going two for three with two doubles and three RBIs to lead the offense. Standout performances on offense also include Connor Pleasant going two for two and Trevor Durr and Payden Wysong each going one for one.

Game three of the series may have been closer on the scoreboard but the dominant performance by sophomore pitcher Garrett Walker ensured that the game was never truly in doubt. Walker needed just 57 pitches en route to a 6-inning shutout performance, allowing just 1 hit and striking out four. Senior pitcher Willy Flynn entered the game in the 7th inning and needed just 11 pitches to slam the door shut and close out the Miller series victory. Junior catcher Trevor Durr was the key offensive piece in the victory, picking up two hits and two RBIs in the winning effort.

The Millers finish the season with an 8-1 record over rival John Melvin Christian College and finish the NSAC regular season with a 15-2 conference record.

Story courtesy JMU Athletics; image courtesy Carla Walker sportspicsbycarla