Royals Take Series Over St. Andrews on Senior Day Walk-Off, Saturday Shutout

KNOXVILLE, TN– In an emotional Senior weekend, the Royals took two of three games from AAC oppenent St. Andrews, improving to 29-11 overall and 18-6 in conference play. The series win was highlighted by a thrilling Senior Day walk-off in Game 1 and a dominant shutout in Game 2.

Friday's series opener delivered fireworks as senior Travis Hobbensiefken played hero in the final frame. After both teams battled through the entire game, Hobbensiefken stepped up in the bottom of the 9th and delivered the walk-off single to give Johnson a dramatic 6-5 win and set the tone for the weekend. Colby Reynolds got the start, tossing seven strong innings before turning it over to the bullpen. The Royals offense rallied behind Bryson Shown's three-hit day and a pair of RBIs from Braden Frank.

Game 2 was all Johnson, as the Royals dominated from start to finish in a 15-0 victory. The offense exploded for 15 runs on 11 hits, with every starter reaching base and 11 different players contributing. Nolan Cusey tripled and drove in two runs, while Ben Thornberry and Edwin Olmeda Jr. each added RBI knocks. The Royals stole 10 bases as a team, using aggressive base running to stay on the attack. On the mound, Garrett Borst delivered five shutout innings, scattering three hits and striking out four. The bullpen combo of Austin Sykes, Jacob Claiborne, Nathan Hoffman, and Seth Bougher sealed the shutout.

"What a way to cap off Senior Day," said head coach Dave Serrano after Saturday's doubleheader. "A walk-off in Game 1 by a senior and then a shutout in Game 2. Got everyone in the game. Finished the second game with four very deserving seniors. I'm so proud of this group. They had fun today."

Despite a strong start offensively and early leads in game 3, the Royals fell 17-3 in a game where defensive miscues and big innings by St. Andrews piled up quickly. Johnson committed five errors and allowed 17 hits, while using six pitchers across the seven-inning contest. The lone bright spots included multi-hit games from Travis Hobbensiefken and Edwin Olmeda Jr., along with a pair of stolen bases from Nolan Cusey.

Though they missed out on the sweep, Johnson continues to sit tied at the top of the AAC standings with just two conference series remaining in the regular season. The Royals will return to action next weekend with another key matchup as they travel to face Bryan on April 18–19.