Smith Homer, Sisson Walk Off RBI Single Complete the Comeback Against Cumberland

WALESKA, Ga. - Reinhardt erased a three-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth Tuesday and walked off Cumberland 11-10 at Ken White Field, with Brock Sisson delivering the game-winning RBI single after Charles Smith tied the game with a pinch-hit, three-run homer. Sisson's single scored Miguel Salazar, who reached after being plunked in the shoulder and then stole second to set up the winning run. 

The Eagles trailed 10-7 entering their final at-bat after Cumberland controlled much of the afternoon. The visitors struck quickly with a five-run first inning, highlighted by Wilser Then's two-run homer and Cole Freeman's three-run shot. Cumberland added two more runs in the second on Gaines Haussin's double and an RBI single from Aiden McDonald, building a 7-0 lead before Reinhardt answered.

Reinhardt began chipping away in the bottom of the second when Sisson homered to left for a three-run blast, cutting the deficit to 7-3. The Eagles added two runs in the fourth to get within striking distance, but Cumberland pushed the margin back to five in the sixth. Then helped spark that inning, and McDonald added a sacrifice fly as Cumberland moved in front 10-5.

The Eagles stayed within reach in the seventh. Cannon Dorsey launched a two-run homer to trim the lead to 10-7, setting the stage for the late rally. Reinhardt finished with 11 runs on eight hits, drew six walks and was hit by five pitches, repeatedly finding ways to pressure Cumberland's staff over the course of the game.

Sisson turned in the biggest offensive day for Reinhardt, going 3 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs. Smith made his lone at-bat count, tying the game with his pinch-hit homer in the ninth. Reinhardt hit three home runs in all, matching the kind of power Cumberland showed early from Then and Freeman. Haussin scored three times for Cumberland and finished with two doubles, while Then drove in three and Freeman also had three RBIs.

Austin Puett picked up the win after coming in to hold the Phoenix at bay in the top of the ninth.  In total, the Eagles went through seven pitchers, including starter Miles Morris. The middle innings were the key for the pitching staff as the assortment of pitchers was able to hold Cumberland hitless and no runs besides the three runs that were scored in the sixth inning.

Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers

Cumberland outhit Reinhardt 7-8 only narrowly and threw 163 pitches, compared with 141 for the Eagles. Reinhardt also struck out just four times, an important contrast in a game where Cumberland pitchers recorded 11 strikeouts but could not close out the final inning. After Smith's game-tying swing reset the score at 10-10, Sisson came through again later in the inning with the RBI single that completed Reinhardt's comeback and sent the Eagles off with an 11-10 win.

The Eagles have a couple of days off before they have their final home series of the 2026 spring season.  The University of Pikeville (UPike) will be heading to Waleska for a single game on Friday and a doubleheader on Saturday that has major implications on the remaining standings in the AAC. Reinhardt will finish their season the following week with a Thursday/Friday series at Truett McConnell and then prepare for the AAC Tournament.