Flying Eagles Swept by Redhawks
Game Recap: Baseball
March 15th, 2025 | Shaun Schetka
COLE HENKLE FIELD – It was an offensive showdown on Friday as Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) and Catawba Valley combined for 33 hits, but the Flying Eagles couldn't keep pace, falling 21-11.
Graham Irvin led the charge for SWCC, going 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of singles, while the team collected 12 hits overall. Unfortunately, the Red Hawks' bats were even hotter, racking up 16 hits to fuel their explosive performance.
Catawba Valley struck first in the opening frame when Will Fowler drew a bases-loaded walk. The Red Hawks then extended their lead in the second behind a Drew Berenyi double and a Brody Taylor solo shot to left field.
SWCC fought back in the fourth, stringing together a rally to tie the game at 8-8. Chris Steele got things started with a double, followed by key RBI singles from Gabe Cuellar, Colt Tate, Cason McInnis, Irvin, and Peyton Maines.
But just as quickly as the Flying Eagles gained momentum, the Red Hawks snatched it away. Catawba Valley exploded for nine runs in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a two-run triple from Berenyi, reclaiming control of the game at 17-8.
On the mound, Braiden Moore earned the win for Catawba Valley, allowing five runs (four earned) over two innings while striking out three. Peyton Dodson took the loss for SWCC, giving up six runs (five earned) in 2.1 innings.
Ben Kilbourne, McInnis, and Cuellar each recorded multiple hits for the Flying Eagles. Taylor led Catawba Valley with a 4-for-5 day, while Berenyi drove in four runs to help secure the win.
Flying Eagles Out-Hits Catawba Valley but Falls 6-1
Despite outhitting the Red Hawks 6-4, the Flying Eagles couldn't cash in on their chances, dropping Friday's second game 6-1.
The Flying Eagles got on the board first when Damien Boyd knocked an RBI single in the opening inning. But Catawba Valley responded quickly, tying it up on a Brody Taylor double to center.
The game remained locked at 1-1 until the sixth, when the Red Hawks capitalized on key opportunities. Carter Starnes drew a bases-loaded walk to break the tie, then Gage Weaver crushed a three-run homer to left, putting the game out of reach.
Michael Crayton earned the win for Catawba Valley, tossing 5.2 innings while allowing just one unearned run on six hits. JP Eads took the loss for SWCC despite a solid outing, surrendering three runs over 5.1 innings.
Boyd led the Flying Eagles offensively, going 2-for-3 with the team's lone RBI. Weaver was the difference-maker for the Red Hawks, finishing 2-for-2 with three RBIs.
SWCC Shut Down in Series Finale
The Flying Eagles ran into a buzzsaw on Saturday, struggling to generate offense in a 16-0 loss to Catawba Valley.
The Red Hawks took control early, plating five runs in the second inning thanks to key hits from Gage Weaver, Will Fowler, Tanner Brewer, and Brody Taylor. They tacked on five more in the third, highlighted by a three-run homer from Carter Starnes.
Catawba Valley kept piling on in the fourth, with Starnes launching his second three-run blast of the day and Alexander Marvin roping a two-run double.
On the mound, Cole Bowie dominated for the Red Hawks, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five. Ayden Muliken took the loss for SWCC, giving up five runs on four hits in 1.2 innings.
Graham Irvin picked up the lone hit for the Flying Eagles, which played solid defense despite the rough day at the plate. McInnis led the team with five defensive chances.
Starnes was the standout performer for Catawba Valley, driving in six runs on a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate. The Red Hawks also flashed their speed, swiping four bases and playing error-free defense to complete the series sweep.
What's Next?
The Flying Eagles will look to bounce back when they travel to Guilford Tech CC for a three-game series beginning Saturday, March 22nd. The first pitch is set for 1:00 PM.