ROME – The Shorter Hawks (15-23, 6-21 CC) closed out play at Robert H. Ledbetter on Tuesday afternoon with a 7-4 victory over Middle Georgia State (16-27, 9-15 PBC), powered by a record-breaking three-home-run performance from Micah Shipman.
 

The Knights struck first with a run in the opening frame, but Shipman answered immediately in the bottom half with a solo shot to even the score. Middle Georgia State reclaimed the lead in the second, plating two runs on back-to-back RBI hits. The Hawks responded once again, as Isaiah Sims dropped in a blooper single to score Josh Tattershall and cut the deficit to 3-2 heading into the third inning.
 

After several scoreless innings from both sides, Sims came through again in the sixth with an RBI single to left field, tying the game. Shipman followed with his second home run of the day, a three-run blast that gave Shorter a 6-3 advantage. The Knights managed to chip away with a solo homer in the seventh, but the Hawks maintained control.

 

In the eighth, Shipman delivered the final blow with his third home run of the afternoon, extending the lead to 7-4. Colby Schactner shut the door in the ninth with a scoreless inning to secure the win and record his fourth save of the season, tied for the fourth-most in program history. Shipman finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with three home runs, five RBI, and three runs scored, setting a new Division II era program record for home runs in a single game.


"A really good win", said Head Coach Wes Timmons. "Anytime you can get a win at this level, you have got to be grateful. We threw the ball well on the mound. Each guy that took the ball met the expectation and gave us a chance. What can you say about Micah Shipman? Three home runs in a game, I have been here for 10 years, and I don't think I have been apart of that on the good side or bad side. I am really happy for Micah, being a part of that was a huge blessing".