The ETSU baseball team dominated their first game in the ETSU Baseball Tournament at Thomas Stadium on Saturday with a 13-1 win against the Wagner Seahawks and a new record under their belts thanks to junior pitcher Landon Knack (Johnson City, Tennessee).
With the win, the Buccaneers improve 10-2 in the season with a six-game win streak. The Seahawks fall 4-7.
Junior David Beam (Knoxville, Tennessee) recorded the first two runs with a fielder’s choice in the first-inning and a sac fly in the third inning.
In the fifth-inning, the Blue and Gold managed three runs including a two-run triple shot by freshman Ashton Kings (Knoxville, Tennessee).
Senior Jake Lyle (Spring Hill, Tennessee) made the only run in the sixth with a home hitter. The Buccaneers made the game in the seventh-inning, earning six runs in the round. Beam delivered a grand to make his first home run on the season. The Red Foxes achieved their only run in the eight-inning with only one shot bringing the score to 13-1.
Knack pitched a total of 16 strikeouts throughout the single header, marking a new high for ETSU. In addition, he allowed only five hits, no runs and no walks.
“Shoutout to coach Posey for calling a good game,” said Knack. “He’s the one who calls the pitches, and he obviously did a really great job.”
Knack is showing promise for another great season for the Blue and Gold following impressive run in 2019, when he received a mention on the Collegiate Baseball Pitcher of the Year Watch List.
“I don’t need any of the recognition stuff,” said Knack. “I mean, yeah, it’s cool. It’s a nice thought, but more than anything I just want to play for love of the game.”
The Bucs continued the tournament at Thomas Stadium where they beat the Marist Red Foxes 2-1.
