GASTONIA, NC - The Emmanuel baseball team played the opening round of the 2023 Conference Carolinas Championship on Wednesday against Belmont Abbey. The Crusaders defeated the Lions, 10-3. 

Belmont Abbey went up 1-0 in the first inning. RBIs from Johnathan Manibusan and Zachary Bergstrom in the top of the second inning gave Emmanuel the lead, 2-1. However, the Crusaders responded in the bottom of the same, scoring four runs to regain the lead, 5-2. The Lions got back within two when Thomas Collins went yard in the top of the sixth. But unfortunately for Emmanuel, his home run would be the last time the Lions were able to score. A strong sixth and seventh inning for the Crusaders resulted in five more runs and gave the Lions the loss, 3-10. 

Matthew Dickey got the start on the mound for the Lions and was credited with the loss after giving up five runs. After one and two thirds innings, Ethan Pooler replaced Dickey. Pooler would go three and two thirds innings, striking out three while allowing one run. Clifford Brown threw one inning, followed by Tyler Mayfield, Simon Boggie, Dosie Drakeford, and Hunter Parks who each pitched two thirds of an inning or less. 

Thomas Collins and Johnathan Manibusan each finished with a hit and an RBI. Cody Minnis recorded a hit, while Zachary Bergstrom had an RBI. 

Because this was a single elimination play-in game, this concludes the 2023 season for Emmanuel baseball. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.