DuBois, PA – After 37 games, Apprentice faced a "win and stay in" situation in the Small College World Series as they faced fellow NSAC member Mid-Atlantic Christian in an elimination game. The two teams are no strangers to each other, but the Builders knew they would have to get production from their offense if they were going to move on.
The Mustangs got on the board first to start the game, taking an early 1-run lead in their half of the first inning. However, Apprentice answered back as USCAA All-American Maxwell Burcham smacked a single to right-center, scoring fellow All-American selection, Camden Weston, tying the game. Braden Lambert came to the plate next and did his job, by driving in Thomas Packert on a sacrifice fly, to grab the lead 2-1. The scoring continued as, Lucas Wells hit a two-run RBI double to right center, allowing Jake Day and Riggs Ellis to score, giving the Builders an early three-run lead. In the second inning, a throwing error by Mid-Atlantic Christian, resulted in another Apprentice run and that was followed by RBI's from Lambert and Ellis, for their 7th unanswered run. However, it did not stop there, as Wells hit his second two RBI double of the game and as the inning came to an end, the Builders suddenly held the advantage, 9-1.
The scoring slowed down in the middle innings and pitcher Logan Early was able to continue not allowing the Mustangs to get any offense going. In the fifth inning, Burcham and Lambert came to the plate, each picking up RBI's to increase Apprentice's lead to double-digits, 11-1 and that is how the game would end, with the Builders staying alive and advancing to play #10 seed Bryant & Stratton-Albany in another elimination game.
Apprentice was led by Early, who only gave up one run, while striking out seven. At the plate, Burcham finished 2-4, with 2 RBI's and Packert and Ellis, each went 2-3, scoring five runs between them. In addition, Lambert led the team with 3 RBI's. Tonight's game is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm. Stay tuned to www.gobuilders.com for game updates and recaps.