No. 14 East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) surpassed Concordia University Texas, winning 9-6 in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Regional. Pitcher Isaac Thornton delivered a stellar complete game, striking out eight batters while allowing six earned runs. Connor Massimini led the offense with four RBIs, including a grand slam, while teammates Jobee Boone and Kahne Nolen added key runs to secure the victory. With the win, ETBU moves forward to compete against Rhodes College on Saturday.

By the Numbers
  • Isaac Thornton pitched a complete game with 8 strikeouts
  • Connor Massimini recorded 4 RBIs, including a grand slam
State of Play
  • ETBU scored two runs in the first inning, tying the game with a strong offensive start
  • Concordia responded with a two-run homer in the fourth, but ETBU expanded their lead with a grand slam in the fifth
What's Next

ETBU will face Rhodes College Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the winner's bracket, aiming to continue their momentum in the tournament.

Bottom Line

ETBU's dominant pitching and timely hitting, highlighted by Massimini's grand slam, position them as strong contenders in the NCAA tournament going forward.