The University of Lynchburg’s baseball squad opened its NCAA Division III tournament run with a convincing 9‑1 victory over Penn State Behrend on Thursday night, delivering a performance that left the regional field clearly tilted in the Hornets’ favor.
Lynchburg struck first, plating two runs in the third inning, and then pulled away with a four‑run fifth that turned a modest lead into a comfortable margin. The offense never looked back, building a lead that would stretch to eight runs by the final inning.
Joe Munitz anchored the Hornets’ attack, finishing with three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored. Benton Jones complemented the onslaught with a triple, two stolen bases and two hits, while Sean Pokorak added two hits and an RBI to round out the scoring.
Key Performances
Tyler Kaltreider earned the win with seven strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out seven batters. Relievers Trent Judd and Davis Watson each tossed a scoreless inning, preserving the lead. Penn State Behrend managed a single run in the fourth, courtesy of an RBI double from Adam Cooper.
The Hornets now turn their attention to a Saturday showdown with Maryville at 2:30 p.m. The winner of that contest will advance to championship Sunday, while the loser will meet the victor of the Penn State Behrend versus Christopher Newport matchup at 6 p.m. on the same day.