Stephens Three-Run Homer Sparks Comeback at Faulkner!

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Reinhardt Baseball erased an early five-run deficit with a relentless offensive surge, scoring 13 unanswered runs over the final six innings to defeat Faulkner University, 13-5 on Tuesday evening at Harrison Field.

The decisive stretch came in the sixth inning, when the Eagles turned a 5-4 deficit into a commanding 10-5 lead with a six-run frame fueled by free passes, aggressive baserunning, and Faulkner miscues. Reinhardt drew multiple walks, took extra bases on wild pitches and throwing errors, and capitalized on a sacrifice fly from Ethan Moore to seize control of the game. The Eagles added three more runs in the seventh on an RBI single by Moore, a run-scoring wild pitch, and a two-out RBI single from Cameron Dorsey to put the game out of reach.

Reinhardt's comeback started in the fourth after Faulkner built a 5-0 cushion behind the long ball. Jeyson Polanco opened the scoring with a solo homer to right in the first, Jordan Carter added a solo shot to left in the second, and Polanco struck again with a three-run homer to right-center in the third to give the Eagles of Faulkner a 5-0 advantage. Reinhardt answered in the fourth when catcher Ryan Stephens launched a three-run homer down the left-field line, cutting the deficit to 5-4 and shifting the momentum.

From there, Reinhardt's offense methodically took over. The Eagles finished with 13 runs on 11 hits and drew eight walks while being hit by five pitches. They also stole nine bases, putting constant pressure on Faulkner's defense, which committed three errors and allowed several runners to advance on wild pitches. By contrast, Faulkner managed five runs on eight hits, all of its scoring coming on three home runs in the first three innings.

Stephens headlined the Reinhardt attack, going 4-for-5 with a home run, double, four RBIs, and a run scored. Moore added a multi-faceted performance, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a run scored, three stolen bases, and a sacrifice fly as he consistently disrupted Faulkner on the bases. Dorsey's two-out RBI single in the seventh capped the scoring and underscored Reinhardt's ability to extend innings and cash in on opportunities.

On the mound, Reinhardt's pitching staff settled in after the early home runs and shut down Faulkner the rest of the way. Eagles pitchers combined to allow just eight hits and five runs — all earned — while striking out 13 over nine innings. They limited Faulkner to seven runners left on base and worked around five walks and five hit batters to keep the home side off the board in the final six innings.

Relief pitcher Carter Crumley came in the fourth inning and shut down the Eagles of Faulkner.  He pitched three solid innings, striking out three and he did not allow a hit or run in his innings. Miles Morris came in to pitch the final two innings with similar results.  He struck out eight batters and only allowed two hits and zero runs.  He picked up the save for his efforts.

This was a great sign for the #14-ranked Eagles as they put together a solid game both offensively and defensively. This has been lacking over the first few series of this early season, but there is plenty of season left to get things going.  Reinhardt will continue their AAC weekend series on the road this Friday and Saturday when they visit the Pioneers of Spartanburg Methodist (single game Friday and doubleheader Saturday).