Spring Hill College (16-26) swept a Tuesday afternoon double header, 5-4 & 8-2, from the visiting Thomas University Night Hawks (20-18) in Mobile, AL.

TU returns to Varnedoe Stadium and welcomes Tennessee Temple University for a three game series beginning with a single game on Friday April 11 at 6PM.

April 7, 2008

The baseball games with Spring Hill on April 8 are to be Webcast through the Daktronics site on the internet. Night Hawk fans can

click here to view the games in real time starting at 3pm (CDST) on Tuesday.

April 2, 2008

TU (20-16) was blown away 11-1 by the Georgia Southwestern State University Hurricanes (12-23) on Wednesday afternoon in Americus, GA. GSW used an 8 run second inning to secure the win from TU starting pitcher Chris Poulos. Bret Huett and Matthew Blanton each had 2 hits, and Mike Griffin doubled and scored the lone Night Hawk run.

The Night Hawks continue their road swing in Mobile, AL on Tuesday April 8 with a double header against Spring Hill College. First pitch of game one is set for 4PM. 

April 1, 2008

The Night Hawks (20-15) and the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers (12-25) split a Tuesday afternoon double header, 2-3 & 13-5, at Varnedoe Stadium.

In the opener, Cody Whitlock took his second loss of the year, giving up all 3 runs, while striking out 10 in 4 1/3 innings. Ruben Rodriguez had two hits and an RBI, while Mike Vitello doubled and scored for the Night Hawks.

In game two, TU scored early and often, plating 11 runs in the first 3 innings to cruise to the victory. Tyler Braddock hit a 3-run HR, and Randy Adams added a HR and 4 RBI to secure the win for TU starter Lou Pepper. Pepper pitched 6 innings, striking out 2 for his 4th win of 2008.

Thomas hits the road tomorrow afternoon as they travel to Americus, GA to face off with the Georgia Southwestern University Hurricanes in a single game beginning at 5PM.

March 29, 2008

A double header sweep of Florida College, 9-3 & 12-7, on Saturday afternoon in Temple Terrace, FL extended the Night Hawks (19-14) winning streak to four.

The Night Hawks scored five runs in the fifth inning and three in the seventh of the game one victory while collecting ten hits. Sophomore designated hitter Tyler Braddock (2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) drove in three and hit a home run. Senior starting pitcher Kyle Palmer (2-4) picked up his second victory allowing three runs, two earned, in six innings.

Sophomore starting pitcher Cody Walden (2-1) battled on the mound for the game two victory after allowing six runs, four earned, on eleven hits in five innings pitched. Junior second baseman Mike Vitello (3-3, R, 3 RBI) drove in three while senior third baseman Stephen Cheney (1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB) and sophomore center fielder Brett Huett (3-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B) each drove in two.

TU will be back at Varnedoe Stadium on Tuesday April 1, as they welcome Spring Hill College for a double header beginning at 3PM.

March 28, 2008

The Thomas University Night Hawks (17-14) traveled to Clearwater, FL and swept a doubleheader, 4-3 & 13-3, from the host Clearwater Christian College Cougars (2-18) on Friday night.

Sophomore left fielder Ruben Rodriguez (0-1, 2 RBI, BB, SF) drove in two runs in the game one victory. Junior starting pitcher Chris Poulos (4-1) picked up his fourth victory of the year after going seven innings and allowing three runs, one earned, on seven hits. TU committed four errors that accounted for two unearned runs.

In game two, TU racked out twelve hits and picked up seven base on balls in a dominating victory. Junior starting pitcher Scott Mancauskas (2-1) went six innings in the victory and allowed three earned runs while striking out seven. Senior third baseman Stephen Cheney (2-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR) hit a home run and drove in two while junior designated hitter Mike Edwards (2-2, 3 RBI) drove in three.

Thomas continues their road trip tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader against Florida College beginning at 12PM in Temple Terrace, FL.

March 26, 2008

TU (15-14) split a region 14 double header, 4-3 & 11-1, against the visiting Webber International University Warriors (21-16) on Wednesday afternoon at Varnedoe Stadium.

A one out single by sophomore left fielder Ruben Rodriguez (1-3, R, 2 RBI) in the bottom of the fifth drove in two runs breaking a 1-1 tie and propelling TU to victory in game one. Senior third baseman Ken Zarillo (2-3, R, 2B) scored after leading off with a single and would later advance to third on a WIU error on a bunt by junior second baseman Mike Vitello (0-2, R) that placed runners on second and third with no outs. After advancing to third, on a double by senior third baseman Stephen Cheney (1-3, 2B), Rodriguez would score on a RBI ground out by junior first baseman Matt Blanton (0-3, RBI). The run would prove to be the difference as WIU scored twice in the ninth but was unable to tie the game. Senior starting pitcher Cody Whitlock (5-1) had another stellar performance on the mound for TU going all seven and allowing three earned runs while striking out seven.

WIU pitcher Jonathan Zunz allowed only one earned run in a six inning game two "Run Rule" victory. TU managed seven hits but committed four errors, accounting for four unearned runs. Sophomore Jonathan Rossi (1-1, RBI) drove in the Night Hawks only run with a RBI single in the sixth. Junior starting pitcher Lou Pepper (3-4) took the loss after allowing eight runs, four earned, on seven hits in four innings pitched.

Thomas will next hit the road for a double header in Clearwater, FL against Clearwater Christian College on Friday March 28. First pitch is set for 5PM.

March 25, 2008

NCAA DII Valdosta State University Blazers (20-10) dropped the host Thomas University Night Hawks (14-13), 15-12, on Tuesday evening at Varnedoe Stadium.

TU held a two run lead entering the sixth but the Blazers scored five runs to take a 14-11 lead. The Night Hawks would get within two before Valdosta added another insurance run in the ninth and held on in the bottom of the inning for the win. Down 5-0 in the first, TU tied the game with a grand slam by sophomore designated hitter Tyler Braddock (3-4, 5 RBI, R, HR, SF). After giving up the lead, the Night Hawks would retake the lead, 10-8, in the fourth with a three run home run by junior first baseman Matt Blanton (2-4, 4 RBI, 3 R, 2B, HR, BB, SF). Both teams would exchange runs in the fifth and VSU would take over in the fifth. Sophomore relief pitcher Cody Walden (1-1) took the loss after tossing four innings and allowing five earned runs.

The Night Hawks are back in action tomorrow when they welcome Webber International University to Varnedoe Stadium for a region 14 double  header beginning at 2PM.

March 22, 2008

TU (14-12) split a region 14 double header, 8-3 & 0-4, on Saturday afternoon with the visiting NAIA #20 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (19-9)at Varnedoe Stadium.

Thomas scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a 7-3 lead, after trailing by a run, then scored another insurance run in the game one victory. Sophomore designated hitter Jonathan Rossi (1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR) and senior catcher Mike Griffin (2-3, R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) each had a home run to help lead the TU bats. Senior starting pitcher Cody Whitlock (4-1) picked up the win going all seven while allowing three earned runs and striking out five.

ERAU pitcher Jordan Roberts held TU to only three hits in game two and struck out twelve in a dominant performance. Senior starting pitcher Kyle Palmer (1-4) took the tough loss after pitching well and only allowing two earned runs on three hits in six innings pitched while striking out six.

The Night Hawks return to the diamond on Tuesday March 25 as they welcome to Varnedoe Stadium NCAA DII Valdosta State University for a single game beginning at 5PM.

March 19, 2008

Thomas University (13-11) dropped a two team double header on Wednesday afternoon at Varnedoe Stadium. TU dropped a tough extra inning game to Berry College (19-9) 5-3 in game one and then fell to Belhaven College (21-8) 8-3.

In the top of the eighth Berry broke a 3-3 tie with two runs and then held of TU in the bottom half of the inning for the win. Sophomore center fielder Ruben Rodriguez (0-3, RBI, BB) and junior right fielder Randy Adams (2-4, RBI) each drove in a run in the losing effort. Junior starting pitcher Lou Pepper (3-2) took the loss after a solid outing. Pepper went 7 2/3 innings and allowed five runs, two earned, on eleven hits while striking out ten.

Belhaven scored six times in the top of the first and never looked back scoring two more times in their half of the third for the victory. The Night Hawks managed runs in the first and second but it would not be enough. Rodriguez (3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B) had three hits and a two runs batted in for TU. The Night Hawk gloves committed three errors resulting in six unearned runs for Belhaven. Junior starting pitcher Chris Poulos (3-1) took the loss for TU. Poulos went four innings and allowed all eight runs, two earned, on seven hits while striking out four.

TU returns to region 14 action on Saturday March 22 as they welcome Embry Riddle University for an afternoon double header beginning at 2PM. Saturday is Fan Appreciation Day at Varnedoe Stadium, all fans are invited to a BBQ hosted by Goal Line Ministries.

March 18, 2008

The Berry College Vikings (17-9) ended TU's (13-9) three game win streak with a 6-3 victory on Tuesday afternoon at Varnedoe Stadium.

With the scored notched at two after three, BC broke out with four runs over the next three innings to put the game away. TU got a run back in their half of the sixth but it would not be enough. The Night Hawks only managed six hits against the Vikings. Sophomore left fielder Ruben Rodriguez (1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR) made the most of his one hit with a third inning home run that temporarily tied the game. Senior starting pitcher Cody Whitlock (3-1) took his first loss of the year after going four innings and allowing four earned runs.

Thomas will be back on the diamond tomorrow as the face Berry in game one of a two team double header. TU will then face Belhaven College who lost this afternoon to the Vikings. First pitch of game one is set for 1PM.

March 13, 2008

TU (13-8) scored thirteen runs in the top of the eighth to come from behind and defeat the NCAA DII Albany State University Rams, 17-7, in Albany, GA.

Down 7-1 in their half of the eighth the Night Hawks scored thirteen runs, eleven with two outs, in route to the victory. The  big hit for TU came from junior right fielder Randy Adams (1-3, 4 RBI, HR, 2 BB) who hit a grand slam, his team leading sixth home run, during the inning. Senior shortstop Ken Zarillo (5-5) had five hits on the night for TU. Junior pitcher Lou Pepper (3-2) picked up the victory throwing 2 2/3 shutout innings out of the pen. The win was the third in a row for Thomas.

The Night Hawks will now await a visit from Berry College on Tuesday March 18 for a single beginning at 2PM.

March 11, 2008

The Night Hawks (12-8) defeated the NCAA DII Valdosta State University Blazers (13-7-1), 7-5, in a rain shortened game at Billy Grant Field in Valdosta, GA.

Trailing 5-4 in the sixth, TU took the lead scoring three runs on two hits and benefiting from a walk and a hit batsman. Junior right fielder Randy Adams (2-4, R, 2B) scored the first run of the inning on a fielders choice off the bat of sophomore center fielder Brett Huett (2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB). Sophomore designated hitter Jonathan Rossi (0-2, R) would then score the go ahead run on a base hit by sophomore left fielder Ruben Rodriguez (2-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B). Huett would then give the Night Hawks some insurance scoring on a wild pitch. The rain would come in the eight forcing the game to be called. Junior Chris Poulos improved his record to 3-0 going all seven innings and allowing five runs, three earned, on eight hits while striking out eight. TU overcame two errors while the Blazers committed three.

Thomas will next travel to Albany, GA to face Albany State University on Thursday March 13. First pitch is set for 6PM.

March 10, 2008

Thomas (11-8) knocked out fourteen runs on eighteen hits in a 14-4 run rule victory over Edward Waters College (18-7) in region 14 action on Monday afternoon at Varnedoe Stadium.

Sophomore center fielder Brett Huett (3-4, 2 R, RBI) had three hits while senior catcher Mike Griffin (3-5, R, 4 RBI, HR) drove in four runs and hit a home run. Senior starting pitcher Cody Whitlock (3-0) struck out nine batters in the victory increasing his team lead to 54. Whitlock went seven innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits. The Night Hawks were able to overcome three errors in the victory.

The Night Hawks will next travel to Valdosta, GA to face NCAA DII Valdosta State University on Tuesday March 11 at 5PM.

March 8, 2008

The Thomas University Night Hawks (10-8) dropped the championship game of the Warner Southern Invitational to the NAIA #22 St. Ambrose University Bees (7-2), 11-1, on Saturday afternoon in Lake Wales, FL.

In a five inning run rule game the TU bats could not put together a significant rally and scored their only run of the game in their last at bat in the bottom of the fifth. Junior pinch hitter Mike Edwards (1-1, R, RBI, HR) drove in the only run of the game for the Night Hawks with a home run in the fifth. Three TU pitchers were touched up for a combined eleven runs, ten earned, on nine hits including three home runs. Junior starting pitched Brian Basford (0-1) took the loss lasting only two innings and allowing seven runs, six earned, on five hits.

TU will return to the diamond on Monday March 10 as they welcome region 14 foe Edward Waters College. First pitch is set for 2PM.

March 7, 2008

TU (10-7) swept another two team double header at the Warner Southern Invitational in Lake Wales, FL. In game one the Night Hawks knocked off NAIA #11 Bellevue College (10-8) 1-0, then defeated Walsh University (4-5) 9-7 to qualify for the championship game on Saturday.

In a pitchers duel that had both teams combine for only five hits, TU was able to come up with the single run of the game in their half of the third when senior third baseman Stephen Cheney (0-3, R) scored on a fielders choice after reaching base on a Bellevue error. Junior starting pitcher Lou Pepper (2-2) picked up the victory with the complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and striking out three.

Junior right fielder Randy Adams (2-3, R, 5 RBI, 2B, HR) drove in five runs for TU in game two and junior first baseman Matthew Blanton (2-3, 4 R, RBI, 2B, HR) scored four runs to help lead the Night Hawks to victory. Freshman relief pitcher Sean Medlin (1-1) picked up the victory lasting 1 1/3 while allowing two earned runs. Each team committed three errors in the game.

With the sweep Thomas awaits it's opponent for the championship game on Saturday afternoon at 3:30PM.

Thomas will return to region 14 play this coming Tuesday March 4 as they travel to Babson Park, FL for a single game versus Webber International University. First pitch is set for 7PM.