After knocking off the tournament host on opening day, the Randall Saints are moving on in the NCCAA Central Region Tournament with another tough matchup ahead.
Randall University stunned #2 seed Mission University on Wednesday evening with a 12-8 victory in Ozark, Missouri, advancing to Thursday's winner's bracket matchup against #3 seed College of the Ozarks.
The Saints' offense exploded for 12 runs on 12 hits, highlighted by a huge sixth inning that helped Randall pull away after Mission had cut into the lead.
Leading the way offensively was JT Cappadona, who launched two home runs and drove in two runs in a massive performance at the plate. Cappadona's solo homer in the third inning extended the Randall lead, and his second blast sparked the six-run sixth inning.
Carson Creek delivered one of the biggest all-around games for the Saints, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, and a sacrifice bunt. Creek drove in runs in both the second and sixth innings as Randall consistently answered Mission rallies.
Jason Carrell added two hits and two RBIs, including an RBI double during the sixth inning surge. Gage Mullins also collected two doubles and scored twice, while Katen Jimenez scored three runs and drove in another.
At the top of the lineup, Yulian Gaston reached base three times with a hit and two walks while scoring twice.
On the mound, Jett Millsap earned the win after throwing 5.2 innings with five strikeouts while also contributing offensively with an RBI and a hit. David Neece closed the door late, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings in relief.
The Saints built an early 4-1 lead through two innings before Mission answered with a five-run sixth inning to make things interesting. Randall's offense, however, responded immediately with six runs in the top half of the inning to regain full control.
With the win, #7 Randall advances in the winner's bracket and will face #3 College of the Ozarks on Thursday at 1 p.m. CT in Game 8 at Mission University.