Eagles snap losing streak with ninth-inning heroics at Anderson
March 1, 2026

Eagles snap losing streak with ninth-inning heroics at Anderson

ANDERSON, S.C. – Carson-Newman (9-8, 2-7 SAC) was two outs away from being swept at Anderson (13-5, 4-5 SAC), down by three runs in the ninth inning. But two freshman clutched up and started a ninth inning comeback in which the Eagles scored eight times to rally for an 11-6 win on Sunday afternoon at Anderson’s Memorial Stadium.

VIDEO: Tom Griffin Interview

VIDEO: Sebastian Rodriguez Interview

ANDERSON, S.C. – Carson-Newman (9-8, 2-7 SAC) was two outs away from being swept at Anderson (13-5, 4-5 SAC), down by three runs in the ninth inning. But two freshman clutched up and started a ninth inning comeback in which the Eagles scored eight times to rally for an 11-6 win on Sunday afternoon at Anderson's Memorial Stadium.

Entering the game, Carson-Newman had lost 58 straight games when trailing after eight innings. It's just the program's eighth win in the past 11 seasons when trailing in the ninth inning.

Down three runs in the ninth, it's C-N's biggest ninth-inning rally since rallying from a three-run deficit against Coker on April 20, 2019.

"Our guys were always treating the game like it was 0-0," Carson-Newman head coach Tom Griffin said. "Their attitude and effort was really good. To get it from 5-0 to 5-3 was big and Cole Nathan had some really good at bats. I am really happy for our guys because they keep doing everything we are asking them to do. A lot of clubs would start acting different and start pointing fingers. That hasn't happened with us. I know the losing streak wasn't 20 games, but it felt like it. The guys did a great job today and I'm happy for them."

Anderson held a 6-3 lead with one out in the ninth inning and that's when C-N's magic began.

Sebastian Rodriguez (Greensboro, N.C.) recorded his first career hit, doubling off the wall in center field to give C-N a baserunner. Next up was pinch hitter Matthew Bishop (Leesville, S.C.). The rookie came up clutch, launching his first career home run down the left field line to make it a one-run game.

"What can you say about Sebastian Rodriguez and Matthew Bishop," Griffin said. "They were the spark. We needed a spark and they provided it for us. Really happy for those two."

 

The Trojans would make a pitching change after the home run, but that didn't bother C-N. Maddox Greene (Deep Gap, N.C.) was hit by a pitch, Braxton Smith (Cleveland, Tenn.) singled and Logan Floyd (Adairsville, Ga.) was walked to load the bases with still just one out.

Soto Diaz tied the game by smashing a single back to the pitcher that allowed everyone to reach base safely. Cole Nathan (Knoxville, Tenn.) drew a four-pitch walk and that gave the Eagles the lead.

A third AU pitcher came in and walked Evan Mutter (Knoxville, Tenn.) to extend C-N's advantage to 8-6.

After eight straight hitters reached, the Trojans finally got their second out. But the Eagles would get three more runs. Rodriguez delivered his second hit in the inning, a two-run single to right to make it 10-6.

"It was really about just doing a job for the guys," Rodriguez said. "It was a tough spot, but I was ready for it and was just wanting to do a job."

The eighth run of the ninth inning scored on a wild pitch to put the Eagles ahead 11-6.

Harrison Shelton (Clinton, Tenn.) closed the door, retiring the final two AU hitters in the ninth to seal the comeback win.

For Carson-Newman to be within striking distance, its pitching staff limited the damage that Anderson's offense did throughout the game.

Already up 2-0, the Trojans had prime opportunities to extend their lead in the second and third innings. Christian Henderson (Clarksville, Tenn.) limited the damage, getting a groundout and a fly out for to escape a bases loaded jam.

Brock Culpepper (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) would relieve Henderson in the third to help keep C-N close. A bases loaded hit by pitch brought in a run, but the senior right-hander recorded back-to-back strikeouts and then a groundout to get out of a bases-loaded jam with no outs and allow just one run to score.

Eli Norris (Ringgold, Ga.) came in the game to relieve Culpepper of a fourth inning bases loaded jam with no outs and he nearly got out of it. The right-hander recorded back-to-back strikeouts, but a pair of infield singles allowed the Trojans to extend their lead to 5-0 after five frames.

Regardless, AU loaded the bases in three consecutive innings with one out or less and only scored three total runs.

Norris had a career day to help keep the Eagles within striking distance after a three-run sixth inning. He allowed just one baserunner in innings seven and eight.

The right-hander tossed a career-long five innings and had a career-high six strikeouts out of the bullpen. His quality day on the mound earned him his first career win.

Norris had half of C-N's strikeouts, giving the staff 12 for the day. The 12 strikeouts matched a season-high and are the most in a conference game this season.

Offensively, Floyd and Nathan joined Rodriguez with double-digit hit days.

In his first start of the season, Evan Mutter recorded his first career multi-RBI day driving in two. The same can be said for Matthew Bishop after his first career home run.

Aaron Shackelford was given the loss, failing to record an out in the five batters he faced. He gave up two hits and three freebies to surrender five earned runs.

Carson-Newman is set to battle more Trojans on Tuesday when it heads to Nashville to take on Trevecca Nazarene. The midweek matchup is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. first pitch eastern time. The game can be heard on the Eagle Sports Network at cneagles.com/live. A live camera of the broadcast crew "In the Booth" will also be available on YouTube.

Game Notes In The Booth Audio Video Live stats Box Score (PDF) Box Score Preview