KNOXVILLE, TN- In a historic upset, Johnson secured their first-ever victory against a top 5 team in the nation, defeating the #4 ranked Cumberlands Patriots with a final score of 2-1.
Johnson took an early lead in the first inning, with Seth Pressley scoring the opening run followed by Bryson Shown's single to right field, bringing home Petey Kiefer. This gave Johnson a 2-0 advantage.
Cumberlands managed to narrow the gap in the third inning when Christian Thompson singled to center field, allowing Clay Shelton to score. However, they were unable to capitalize further, ultimately falling short in their comeback attempt.
Pitching played a crucial role in Johnson's victory, with Kaleb Townsend starting strong on the mound, allowing only one run in four innings of work. Austin Sykes, Austin Mitchell, and Elijah Dew combined to shut down Cumberlands' offense for the remainder of the game, securing the historic win for Johnson.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Johnson baseball program, as they secure their first-ever win against a top-ranked opponent, while Cumberlands faces a rare defeat as the #4 team in the nation.
The Royals will be back in action this Friday at home against Bluefield as they look to secure a spot in the AAC conference tournament.