WINCHESTER, Va. --- Centerfielder
Jaime Padilla drove in a career-high seven runs to help power a Shenandoah University offense that drubbed Farmingdale State College, 21-1, in their opening game of the regional round of the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship on Friday in Winchester.
The Hornets (36-10) move to face Transylvania University (30-12) in a winner's bracket game on Saturday. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m. ET at Bridgeforth Stadium.
The 21 runs on 14 hits for SU on Friday marked the fifth time this season the Hornets have crossed the 20-run mark in a game. They have now outscored their opponents, 456-228, over 46 games played.
Padilla was one of five Hornets with multiple RBI. He tripled to center to drive in three in the second inning to give SU a 6-0 lead. He belted a three-run homer to right in the fourth for a 9-1 advantage, and registered his final RBI in the sixth with a sacrifice fly to left.
Right fielder
Kyle Garrett and second baseman
Carl Keenan drove in three runs each. They both plated a Hornet in the second inning with a bases loaded HBP and single, respectively. Garrett singled home two in the fourth and Keenan drove in a pair with a double in the fifth.
Shortstop
Chip Carver plated one with a bases loaded walk in the fourth and another with a single in the seventh.
Samuel Vandrey made the most of his eighth inning pinch-hit opportunity, scoring a pair with a single through the left side.
Righty starter and ODAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Blaine Griffin improved to 11-3 with seven strong innings. He allowed one run on three hits with a pair of walks and five punchouts.
Averey Schaeffer surrendered one hit and two scoreless innings of relief.
Thomas O'Neill took the loss for Farmingdale State. He allowed six runs on four hits in 1.2 innings on the hill. All four Rams pitchers allowed four or more runs.
Centerfielder Matt Faraone plated the Rams lone run with a single in the third inning.