Atlanteans Take Series with Strong Offensive Display Against Lighthouse

MIAMI – Atlantis University opened Saturday’s NSAC series with a close 5–4 win over Lighthouse Christian College, showing real resilience. LCC took an early 3–0 lead, scoring twice in the first inning and once more in the second. Atlantis University stayed calm and slowly got back into the game. The big moment came in the fifth inning, when Guerrero hit a key double to drive in a run, and Lopez drew a bases-loaded walk to help shift the momentum and put Atlantis ahead. On the mound, right-hander Encarnacion pitched six innings, giving up three runs on six hits, striking out nine, and walking just two. Sobrino finished the game with a scoreless inning to secure the win. The offense got hits from Guerrero, Bracho, Astudillo, Valbuena, and Lopez, while the defense played error-free baseball for a strong team effort.

Atlantis followed the opening win with a commanding offensive explosion in Game Two, defeating Lighthouse 14–4. The Atlanteans delivered one of their most productive innings of the season in the second, erupting for ten runs that completely shifted the game’s trajectory. The rally featured a sequence of timely hits and aggressive baserunning, including RBI contributions from Lopez, Guerrero, Astudillo, Knowles Jr., and Chung. The offensive surge established firm control and energized the Atlantis dugout. Starting pitcher Villalobos earned the win after striking out six batters across four innings of work, while Olazabel later secured the save to complete the victory. AU’s lineup produced an impressive 16 hits in the game. Guerrero led the charge from the leadoff spot with three hits, while Astudillo, Mamarella, Valbuena, and Knowles Jr. each delivered multi-hit performances. Lopez drove in three runs and added two stolen bases, highlighting the Atlanteans’ aggressive approach on the basepaths. The team also executed defensively, turning two double plays that reinforced their control of the contest.

The series finale presented a different challenge. The Makos surged early with a seven-run first inning highlighted by a grand slam that immediately put the Atlanteans on the defensive. Despite the early deficit, AU refused to fold. The lineup steadily chipped away at the margin through consistent contact and situational hitting. Atlantis University collected ten hits in the game and mounted a determined comeback effort that ultimately fell one run short in a 7–6 loss. Bracho, Astudillo, Ruiz, and Lopez each recorded two hits, while Astudillo drove in two runs to pace the offense. Sobrino provided stability on the mound in relief, throwing three scoreless innings and limiting Lighthouse Christian’s momentum. Defensively, Atlantis remained disciplined and turned three double plays to keep the game within reach. The comeback effort demonstrated the team’s competitiveness and ability to respond under pressure.

Atlantis improved to 12-10 overall and 6-2 in league play.

Story and image courtesy Atlantis Athletics

Apprentice Takes Three from St. Vincent, Improves to 14-2

HAMPTON, Va. – The Apprentice School baseball team took three of four this weekend from Saint Vincent, splitting a Friday twinbill before winning both halves of Saturday’s doubleheader.

The Builders won the first game of the series Friday afternoon by a 4-2 final score. After the Bearcats jumped out in front in the top of the first, Justin Bradshaw tied the game up with a RBI single before Apprentice took the lead in the fourth on a Jaeden Anderson RBI single. Jackson Thomas brought home the final two runs for the Builders in the fifth on a single as well.

Nick Redman (5-0) got the win, striking out seven over six innings, while Grant Stratton shut the door in the seventh to earn his third save.

SVC got their revenge in the second half of Friday’s twinbill, winning 6-5, despite a late comeback attempt from Apprentice. The Bearcats scored four in the third to take the lead, but the Builders got one back in the fourth on a Jett Winslow RBI single. After single runs in the fifth and sixth stretched the lead to 6-1, Apprentice took advantage of walks and errors by SVC to score four runs. The Bearcats went to their closer, though, who struck out the final two batters of the game to get the win.

The Builders bounced back on Saturday with a sweep of SVC to earn the series win. The day started with a 5-0 win that saw all five runs come across in the first two innings. All three runs scored in the first inning came via bases loaded walks, while Isaac McCallister got a RBI single, followed by a Landon Turner sacrifice fly in the second to score the runs.

Charley Higginbotham (3-1) was near perfect on the bump, going the complete seven, allowing just four hits and a walk while fanning three.

The series win came in a 10-5 win in the nightcap. SVC scored two in the top of the first, but the Builders answered immediately with a Seth Harrison sacrifice fly followed by a Winslow two RBI single to take the lead. After the Bearcats tied it in the top of the second, Nate Yeary and Anderson had back-to-back sacrifice flies to retake the lead at 5-3. Four more Builder runs came across in the third, three of which were on bases loaded walks, before Drew Barbosa pushed the final Builder run across on a RBI groundout.

The Builders move to 14-2 on the season and now head to Myrtle Beach this week for a five-game week against Cincinnati-Clermont, Colby-Sawyer and NHTI.

Story courtesy Walker McCrary/Apprentice Athletics; image courtesy Kaitlyn Olson @shotsbyk8lyn

Mustangs Split Series at BJU

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian took one win and left a couple on the table over the weekend in an early-season baseball series with Bob Jones University.

In Friday’s series opener, MACU fell behind early then fought back to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning before BJU pulled away for a 7-5 victory.

Through the first three innings of Saturday’s twin-bill matinee, neither team could get the bats rolling. In the top fourth inning, the Mustangs got on the board to take the 1-0 lead. That was all they needed as senior Colin Langley gave up only two hits and two walks to claim the shutout win.

In the series finale, the Bruins wasted no time setting the tone. In the bottom of the first, Bob Jones scored six runs on five hits to seize early momentum. A two-RBI double from Cayden Kennedy highlighted the inning, followed by a two-run double by Derek Farley and RBI knocks from Elijah Medrano and Mannix Crawford to build a 6-0 lead.

In the third, both teams added a run to the scoreboard. For the Bruins, David Henry scored on an error to push the advantage to 7-1.

The fifth inning proved decisive. After the Mustangs rallied for four runs in the top half to cut the deficit to 7-5, the Bruins exploded for 11 runs in the bottom of the inning. The Bruins stretched the lead to 18-5.

In the top of the seventh inning, Mid-Atlantic looked to mount a late comeback, adding seven more runs to their total. However, the Bruins’ bullpen ultimately shut the door to secure the 18-13.

Story and image courtesy BJU Athletics

Championship Day is Upon Us!

WILSON, N.C. – John Melvin (LA) got a walk-off double to defeat Apprentice 11-10 Friday and earn its way into Saturday’s NSAC Baseball Championship game.

The top-seeded Millers gave up seven runs in the second inning and appeared doomed to enter the losers bracket but methodically clawed its way back into the game, sealing it in the seventh.

Lighthouse Christian, John Melvin (FL) and Mid-Atlantic Christian were eliminated on Friday. Virginia State and Apprentice will meet Saturday morning at 10:30 Eastern for the chance to advance to the title game against JMU.

Livestream for all games is available at wilsontobs.com.

Day One in the Books at NSAC Championship

WILSON, N.C. – The first day of action at Fleming Stadium was marked by solid play and several big innings.

GAME ONE: #3 Apprentice 8, #6 Lighthouse Christian 6

GAME TWO: #5 Virginia State 11, #4 John Melvin (FL) 6

GAME THREE: #3 Apprentice 7, #2 Mid-Atlantic Christian 5

GAME FOUR: #1 John Melvin (LA) 12, #5 Virginia State 5

Play resumes Friday morning at 9:30 am Eastern time at Fleming Stadium in Wilson. All six teams are still in contention in the double-elimination tournament. You can watch each game via livestream at wilsontobs.com.

Graphic by WildCard Entertainment

JMU’s Musgraves Named NSAC Coach of the Year

After leading the Millers to the regular season title, John Melvin University (LA) baseball coach Rocke Musgraves has been named NSAC Coach of the year by a panel of veteran sportswriters and sportscasters.

In just the program’s third season, Musgraves guided the Millers to a 26-23 record including a pair of wins over 16th-ranked South Arkansas Community College and a victory over #15 Houston-Victoria. JMU also posted a 15-2 (.882) record in league action, the best winning percentage in NSAC baseball history.

Before his stop at JMU, Rocke coached at the NCAA Division I, Division 2, NAIA, and NJCAA levels including stops at NCAA Division 2 Northwest Nazarene University, where he led the Warriors to the Northwest Athletic Conference championship in 2016. Prior to that, Musgraves built Louisiana State University – Shreveport into one of the premier baseball programs in the NAIA.

Congratulations to Rocke Musgraves, the 2025 NSAC Baseball Coach of the Year!

Image courtesy Carla Walker/SportsPicsByCarla; WildCard Entertainment

Jones, Leblanc, Snell Lead 2025 All-Conference Selections

New South Athletic Conference baseball coaches have selected Gavin Leblanc (JMU-LA) as the 2025 Pitcher of the Year and Tobin Jones (JMCC-FL) and Travis Snell (MACU) as Co-Players of the Year.

Leblanc, a senior lefty, made 11 starts for the Millers with a 5-2 Record, threw for 63.1 Innings, giving up only 46 hits and 27 walks, with 85 strikeouts for a 2.84 ERA and .203 BAA.

Jones and Snell tied in the voting for Offensive POY.

Jones, a 6’3″ sophomore outfielder, had a batting average of .375 in 72 ABs, a slugging percentage of .819 for an OPS of 1.284, with 27 hits, 9 homers, and 24 RBIs.

Senior outfielder Snell also put up impressive numbers for the Mustangs, batting .447 with 129 PA’s, a slugging percentage .660, with 5 HRs and 28 RBIs.

“Congratulations to our players of the year as well as all of the outstanding student-athletes that make up the 2025 NSAC All-Conference Team,” said commissioner Mike Davis. “They have made this one of the most exciting campaigns yet in NSAC baseball, with more fireworks to come in Wilson.”

2025 All-Conference First Team

  • Zander Mizelle, P, Apprentice
  • Charley Higginbotham, P, Apprentice
  • Kevin Rodriguez, P, Atlantis
  • Dakota Jacobsen, P, MACU
  • Jeremiah Cabrera, P, MACU
  • Tobin Jones, OF, JMCC (FL)
  • Trevor Durr, C, JMU
  • Jaden Guthrie, 2B, Virginia State
  • Nate Yeary, OF, Apprentice
  • L. Valentin, Lighthouse
  • Jeremy Harmon, C, Apprentice
  • Travis Snell, OF, MACU
  • Thomas Ealey, OF, Virginia State
  • Braeden Morgan, 2B, JMU (LA)
  • Eduardo Perez, C, Atlantis
  • Justin Suarez, 2B, Atlantis
  • Landen Miller, C/DH, MACU
  • Gavin Leblanc, P, JMU (LA)

All-Conference Second Team

  • Dalon Arrington, P, MACU
  • Garrett Walker, P, JMU (LA)
  • Caleb Ougel, P, JMU (LA)
  • Cole Crocker, P, JMCC (FL)
  • Logan Fleming, P, JMCC (FL)
  • Eduardo Roque, P, Atlantis
  • Jesus Gonzalez, P, Atlantis
  • Kevin Rodriguez, P, Atlantis
  • G. Deroche, Lighthouse
  • H. Molina, Lighthouse
  • L. Villasana, Lighthouse
  • H. Ojeda, Lighthouse
  • Noah Watkins, OF, JMU (LA)
  • Sammy Maddox, 1B, JMU (LA)
  • Connor Pleasant, SS, JMU (LA)
  • Nick Redman, P, Apprentice
  • Josiah Collado, C/OF, MACU
  • Rafael (RJ) Cabrera, IF, MACU
  • Victor Johnson, OF, Virginia State
  • Jacquan Tucker, 1B, Virginia State
  • TJ McGowan, 3B, Virginia State
  • Marcos Medina, INF, Atlantis
  • Nathaniel Gomez, CF, Atlantis
  • Gianni Rodriguez 3B/DH, Atlantis
  • Hunter Johnson, IF, Apprentice
  • Camden Richardson, P, Apprentice
  • Jett Winslow, IF, Apprentice

Image courtesy Carla Walker/SportsPicsByCarla; WildCard Entertainment

Baseball All-Academic Team Recognized

The New South Athletic Conference is proud to honor the baseball players from its member institutions who have made academics a priority. “These young men are to be commended for their commitment to academic excellence as well as athletics,” said commissioner Mike Davis. “It is my privilege to congratulate them on a job well done.”

Each student-athlete must carry a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale to be recognized as an All-Academic Team Member.

The Apprentice School

  • Jaeden Anderson
  • Justin Bradshaw
  • Tommy Distler
  • Jeremy Harmon
  • Aiden Henry
  • Hunter Johnson
  • Isaac McCallister
  • Chase Mytrysak
  • Matt Phoebus
  • Bryce Post
  • Caleb Russwell
  • Jake Sanchez-Tiller
  • Camden Weston

Atlantis University

  • Alejandro Uribe
  • Jonathan Vassllo
  • Justin Suarez
  • Travis Knowles
  • Joshua Polanco
  • Matthew Lopez
  • Ozzyel Gabbarro 
  • Marcos Medina 
  • Eduardo Roque 
  • Alex Socarras
  • Jesus Ramos
  • Francisco Bracho
  • Walter Mamarella 
  • Jonathan Mustlier 
  • Diyer Schafer
  • Daniel Zayas 
  • Christian Olazabal

John Melvin Christian College (FL)

  • Zane Alford
  • Kyle Brealond
  • James (Tripp) Cameron
  • Braden Clark
  • Landon Cooper
  • Landon Glaesmann
  • Tate Glover
  • Reagan Grace
  • Daniel Hernandez
  • Raymond Missett
  • Dane Mallon
  • Preston Barnett
  • Cole Patrick
  • Logan Flemming
  • Brayden Plouffe
  • Logan Snowden
  • Cole Crocker
  • Isaiah Redfearn
  • Lane Kasper
  • Connor Rosenberg
  • Austin Holstein
  • Tobin Jones
  • Donovan Hawkins
  • Garrison Head
  • Jimmy Reynolds
  • Jordan Taylor
  • Zachary Barrientos
  • Kaden Fritter
  • Andrew Bailey
  • Timothy Lambert
  • Price Bowen
  • Avery Newton
  • Steele Marshall
  • Grant Belote
  • Brodie Dalton

John Melvin University (LA)

  • Andrew Ashby
  • Gavin Gary
  • Trevor Durr
  • Connor Pleasant
  • Willy Flynn
  • Gavin LeBlanc
  • Noah Watkins
  • Peyton Ford
  • Sammy Maddox
  • Sam Crowe
  • Garrett Walker
  • Josh Guidroz
  • Troy Morel
  • Gavin Walker
  • Taylor Walters
  • Bryce Oquinn 
  • Caleb Ougel
  • Jonah Callais
  • Lane Kratzer
  • Luke Primeaux
  • Braeden Morgan
  • Cabet Blanchard
  • JT Teuton
  • Cooper Chase
  • Zayne Earl
  • Tyler Knippers
  • Eli Musgraves
  • Josh Jones
  • Kohen LeJeune
  • Noah Berg
  • Brian Ellender
  • Jackson Day
  • Connor Molaison
  • Colt LeJeune
  • Trey Lagrange
  • Raylee Thomas

Lighthouse Christian College

  • Luis “Valentin” Diaz
  • James Andrew Davis 
  • Juan Pablo Finol 
  • Yhulman Ryhan Ortiz 
  • Trevor Jeremiah Medlin 
  • Dilan Veras 
  • Jose Alejandro Sanchez 
  • Quinton Renfroe 
  • Jean Carlos Quezada Sosa 
  • Gavin Neade 
  • Joshua Landis 
  • Trent Austin Knighten 
  • Robert-Isaac Gates 
  • Solomon Gant 
  • Carlos Brown 
  • Clayton “Clay” Allen 

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

  • Dalon Arrington
  • Titus Bleckley
  • RJ Cabrera
  • Josiah Collado
  • Aidan Guise
  • Dakota Inman
  • Landon Miller
  • Travis Snell
  • Tristan Stinson

Virginia State University

  • Preston Branzelle 
  • Alex Dayle
  • Thomas Ealey
  • Jayden Guthrie
  • Andrew Jackson
  • Norman Jackson 
  • David Johnson
  • Charles Jones
  • Gene Ligon
  • Josh Mahon
  • TJ McGowan
  • Marquis Smith 
  • Jaquan Tucker
  •  Julius Turner

Photo by Harati Project on Unsplash