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

CROWLEY, LA. – John Melvin (LA) returned to conference play after facing a tough opponent in Paris Junior College last weekend for another road trip this weekend to face off against NSAC opponent John Melvin Christian College (FL). JMU had already swept JMCC at home earlier in the season and were now looking to clinch the first ever Kingdom Cup between the two schools.

Game one was all Millers from the start. JMU scored two runs in the first inning and another five runs in the third inning to take a commanding 7-1 lead early in the game. The Miller offense raked up 13 hits and 11 runs in total, led by multi-hit games from Connor Pleasant, JT Teuton, and Cabet Blanchard. The sub players stepped up when they were called on late in the game with Josh Guidroz, Gavin Walker, and Tyler Knippers all getting hits off the bench. Caleb Ougel was shutdown on the mound in game one, working seven innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits in the start; picking up his fourth win of the season. Freshman Brian Ellendar took the mound to throw the last two innings of the game and was as close to perfect as you can get, allowing no hits, no walks, and striking out five of the six batters that he faced.

Game two started out just like game one and was all Millers from the start. JMU scored four runs in the second inning and three more in the third inning to again, take a commanding 7-0 lead early in the game. Sophomore Eli Musgraves was the leader of the offense in game two, working a three for three day at the plate, scoring two runs and picking up two RBI’s. The offense was on fire from top to bottom in the game with 9 Millers picking up a hit and 6 Millers picking up multi-hit games. Freshman Jack Day was a key piece to the offense, picking up two hits and three RBI’s out of the nine hole. Freshman Bebe King went the distance on the mound in game two, throwing a six inning complete game shutout and allowing just four hits, clinching his first career win on the mound.

Game three was a classic pitchers dual between JMU starter Bryce Oquinn and JMCC starter Cole Crocker. Oquinn threw five innings on just 62 pitches, allowing two runs on just two hits and walking nobody. Senior Willy Flynn entered the game after Oquinn, picking up the win on the mound and closing out the Millers sweep with two innings of one run ball. While hits and runs were tough to come by for the majority of the game, Junior catcher Trevor Durr stepped up to lead the offense with three hits, a double, and four RBI’s. Freshman Braeden Morgan also had a multi-hit game and had the dagger in the final inning when he hit a two RBI double to extend the Millers lead to three runs.

The Millers remain a perfect 10-0 in conference play and have a four-game lead over second place in the NSAC standings. JMU has two conference series remaining, facing Lighthouse Christian at home this upcoming weekend and the final series against JMCC at home the following weekend.

Story and image courtesy JMU Athletics