Montreat (NC) – Appalachian Athletic – As conference play continues to heat up, so do the Montreat Cavaliers. Entering their AAC series against Bluefield (VA), Montreat (NC) held a perfect 6–0 conference record and carried a 13-game winning streak into the matchup. The Cavaliers looked to extend that momentum with a three-game sweep.

Game one featured an offensive explosion from Montreat, as they cruised to a 12–0 mercy-rule victory. Tommy Ramos powered the offense in the series opener, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. The Cavaliers were just as dominant on the mound. Starting pitcher Bryton Williams delivered seven strong innings, allowing only three hits while surrendering no runs, no earned runs, and no walks, while striking out five. With the win, Montreat claimed the series opener, extended its winning streak to 14 games, and improved to 7–0 in conference play.

Game two saw a thrilling seventh-inning comeback to keep the Cavaliers’ hot streak alive. Trailing 5–4 in the top of the seventh, Daniel Restrepo delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run, giving Montreat a 7–5 lead. Hunter Rast was then called upon to shut the door and secure the Cavaliers’ 15th consecutive victory. He tossed a scoreless inning in relief, allowing no hits and no walks while recording one strikeout to close out the game.

With the win, Montreat (NC) improved to 8–0 in conference play and extended its winning streak to 15 games, heading into the series finale with a 2–0 advantage.

Game three proved to be another tight contest, but the Cavaliers held on to complete the sweep with a 10–7 victory. Matthew Brunner, Tommy Ramos, and Zachary Long powered the offense in the series finale, each launching a home run. Ramos and Long each connected on solo shots, while Brunner delivered a two-run blast to help fuel the win. Hunter Rast was once again called upon to close things out, earning back-to-back saves. He tossed one inning, allowing one hit and one walk while surrendering no runs. The save marked his sixth of the season, placing him second in the nation in that category. With the sweep, Montreat extended its winning streak to 16 games, tied for the longest in the country, and improved to 9–0 in conference play. The Cavaliers will next host Johnson & Wales (NC) for a single game before welcoming #5 Tennessee Wesleyan for a pivotal three-game series.

Cooper Carter – NAIA Ball Staff Writer