Charlotte, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte baseball team (4-2) put together one of the best comeback victories you will see as they defeated the visiting Lander Bearcats 9-8 in their home opener at Tuckaseegee Dream Fields on Saturday afternoon. The win propelled the Royals to 4-2 overall on the season while Lander dropped to 1-4 overall.
 
In front of a rocking crowd for homecoming weekend, Queens gave the fans an unbelievably exciting finish. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the resilient Royals never let up as they managed to plate seven runs and storm from behind to victory.
 
After two quick outs on four pitches, the Royals chances were practically zero. Looking to keep it simple and pass the bat to the next guy, Riley Cheek worked a two-out walk before Carter Foster singled into center field allowing Cheek to advance to third. With runners on the corners, Alex Sexton would reach second on a throwing error by the pitcher as Cheek came around to score and Foster moved up to third. Slowly gaining some momentum, Christian Maggio laced a single down the left field line scoring Foster and Sexton to bring the score to 8-5. With Maggio on first, Nick Brassington would reach on a hit by pitch setting up a heroic swing. In a 1-2 count, Garrett Evans launched a home run to left field scoring all three runs and tying the game 8-8.
 
The big fly would force the Bearcats into a pitching change, but the Royals dugout and fans were rocking as they witnessed an unbelievable comeback effort. Queens was not satisfied as Nick Alderfer drew a walk from the new arm and the winning run was on first base. Nick Melton would simplify his approach after falling behind 0-2 by shooting a single into left field to move the winning run into scoring position. Looking to send the Royals home victorious, freshman Dillon Lewis stepped into the box looking for his first career hit, and what better moment to do it. Behind in the count 1-2, Lewis laced a line drive into left center bringing around Nick Melton to score and the Royals chased down the rookie behind second base as the Royals fans erupted.
 
Head Coach Ross Steedley was incredibly proud of the way his team battled this afternoon and the environment for their home opener. "The crowd was amazing," said Steedley. "It was an unbelievable atmosphere for our home opener and I am really proud of our effort and how guys continue to step up when their name is called. We don't ever quit and we just keep competing."
 
On the afternoon, the Royals smacked around 11 hits, including five in the ninth inning. The 11-hit performance marks the fourth straight game that Queens has tallied 10 or more knocks in the game. Carter Foster led the way for Queens on the afternoon recording three hits and a pair of runs. Christian Maggio also posted a multi-hit performance while adding three RBI's. Garrett Evans notched one hit on the afternoon and it was the three-run big fly to tie the game in the ninth.
 
After a tough outing from Royals starter, Justin Offschanka, the Queens bullpen managed to throw 6.2 innings while surrendering two runs, but only one earned. Zach Kelly, Nick Charleson, and Landen Wright would combine for seven strikeouts while allowing six hits.
 
The Royals and Bearcats will wrap up their two-game weekend series tomorrow, Feb. 13. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Tuckaseegee Dream Fields. Be sure to follow the Royals baseball program on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates. Fans can also follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to get updates on all things Royals Athletics.