Royals Take Game One of AAC Series with Win Over Truett McConnell

KNOXVILLE, TN— The Royals opened their Appalachian Athletic Conference series with a hard-fought 3–2 win over Truett McConnell on Friday afternoon, riding a dominant complete-game performance from senior pitcher Colby Reynolds.

Reynolds was in control from the start, tossing all nine innings while allowing just two runs on six hits and striking out 11 without issuing a walk. His ability to consistently get ahead in counts and attack the strike zone kept the Bears off balance throughout the game.

Johnson struck first in the third inning when JJ Menesini delivered an RBI single to bring home Christian Altamirano and give the Royals a 1–0 lead. Truett McConnell answered in the fourth with a solo home run, but the Royals quickly responded as Izaak Fernandez launched a home run of his own to reclaim the lead at 2–1.

The Royals added what proved to be the difference in the fifth inning. Menesini once again made an impact on the bases, stealing second and eventually coming around to score to push the lead to 3–1.

Truett McConnell threatened late, adding a solo home run in the ninth to cut the deficit to one, but Reynolds shut the door to secure the 3–2 victory.

Despite being limited to just three hits offensively, the Royals capitalized on their opportunities and complemented Reynolds' outing with solid defense and aggressive baserunning. Menesini and Fernandez accounted for both RBIs, while Johnson swiped multiple bases to apply pressure throughout the game.

Following the game, Reynolds credited the team effort behind the win.

"It was a good win. Offense didn't have the best day today but they'll show back up again tomorrow. Everything was working, threw a lot of strikes and a lot of strikes lead to success. I mean, defense made good plays behind me. J.J. was huge, we decided to do a timing pick that one inning and that really kind of changed that inning and made the rest of the game flow. But other than that, it was just a good team win."

With the win, the Royals take a 1–0 lead in the AAC series. Johnson will look to secure the series as games two and three are set for Saturday, March 28 at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.