JACKSON, Tenn. – The William Carey Baseball Team out slugged Middle Georgia State, defeating the Knights 13-10 Thursday night at Rockabillys Stadium.  With the win Carey advances to play in the championship game on Saturday.
 
Both teams' offenses were on full display, as there were 23 runs on a combined 23 hits with the Knights taking the early lead with three runs in the first.  Carey responded in the top of the second with four runs, highlighted by a Bridley Thomas three RBI double.  However, MGA retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning with three runs and would extend their lead to 7-4 with a run in the third.
 
The Crusaders again had an answer and in the fourth inning a bases loaded walk by Bailee Hendon followed by a two RBI single by Braydon Coffey would tie the game.  Billy Garrity followed Coffey with a triple to left center to give Carey the lead.
 
Middle Georgia would get one run back in the bottom of the fourth but WCU pushed their lead to three in the fifth with two runs.  However, the Knights would not back down and would once again get back to within one run at 11-10 with two runs in the sixth.  However, the Crusaders would add a couple of insurance runs in the seventh behind a defensive miscue by MGA.
 
Just like in their game on Wednesday, the Carey bullpen stepped up to the occasion with Bobby Magee picking up the win in relief going 3.2 innings with seven strikeouts.  Preston Ratliff and John Snyder would the final innings to close it out with Snyder earning his 12^th save of the season.
 
Before the Crusaders take part in the championship game they will take on Point University on Friday, May 3, to wrap up pool play.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Rockabillys Stadium.