JACKSON, Tenn. – The William Carey Baseball Team opened up pool play in the 2024 SSAC Baseball Championship with a 9-5 victory over Thomas University Wednesday night at Rockabillys Stadium.
 
Carey did not get off to the best start, as the Nighthawks took a 5-0 lead with three runs in the first and two in the third.  However, the Crusaders got the offense going in the bottom of the third.  After a throwing error scored the first of the inning, Preston Ratliff and Bailee Hendon went back to back with doubles to cut the deficit to two runs.
 
Carey would go on to tie the game in the third inning on a sac fly by Billy Garrity and a RBI groundout by Jerod Williams.  The score would remain tied until the sixth when WCU would take the lead for good with three runs on three hits.
 
With two outs in the inning, Jake Lycette would keep the inning alive with a two RBI double to left center with Ratliff following with a single to center to score J. Lycette.  Bridley Thomas would score the final run of the game in the eighth inning.
 
Luke Lycette was brilliant for Carey out of the bullpen, as he went 4.2 innings in relief without allowing a run and giving up only three hits to earn the win.
 
WCU is back in action Thursday, May 2, as they take on Middle Georgia State.  First pitch in scheduled for 7:00 pm at Rockabillys Stadium.