Barons Split Against Crusaders at Home

On March 29, 2025, the Barons hosted the William Carey University Crusaders in a doubleheader conference clash. Despite trailing in game one, the Barons rallied to walk it off in the bottom of the seventh to take game one 3-2. The Barons struggled mightily in game two, losing 11-0 after five innings, splitting the weekend series. Game one saw the Barons fall behind early in the first 2-0 and struggle to score. The Barons cut the lead in the bottom of the fifth, scoring off a Moran Willingham single that drove in Lexi Bradshaw. The Barons saw an incredible diving catch in the top of the seventh from Hailey Gabrich to end the inning and prevent any more runs from crossing. The bottom of the seventh saw Gabrich double to drive in the tying run in Bradshaw and Willingham to single, score Hanna Rust, and end the game. The Barons were boosted by the strong pitching performance from Kaylee Odum, who blanked the Crusaders after the first inning—throwing six scoreless. Game two saw the Barons struggle on both sides of the ball, only getting two hits and being unable to stifle the Crusaders' dominating offense. Natalie O'Neil started on the mound but, with a struggling infield, was replaced by Samantha Mathews. The Barons still could not hold off the Crusaders, giving up five runs in the third and four runs in the top of the fifth. While the loss was a hard hit for the Barons, who now stand at a season record of 12-17-1, the team looks ahead to their next challenge. They are scheduled to meet Blue Mountain on April 4, 2025, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. The upcoming game presents a vital opportunity for the Barons to regroup and regain their competitive spirit in hopes of turning around their season.