MARSHALL, Texas — Winning is one thing, but beating the reigning National Champions is another thing.
Last weekend East Texas Baptist University faced Lynchburg in the Birmingham Southern Spring Classic. Lynchburg has gotten the best of the Tigers on numerous occasions, including the National Championship.
However, Last Friday ETBU wanted to change their narrative this season. Not only did the Tigers secure a win, but they kept Lynchburg to no hits completely thanks to pitchers Sayers Collins and Will Croft.
This was the university's first no-hitting game for 20 years.
Sayers Collins didn't start his baseball career as pitcher but ultimately found his way to the mound.
"He actually came to one of our camps as a catcher and turns out he couldn't catch too good," Coach Hood said jokingly.
"After a while it turned out he couldn't hit either, but he had a pretty good arm so we asked him if he wanted to pursue a future on the mound," Hood said.
Coach Hood uses Collins his story to inspire the next generation because he has the grit and athleticism to grow.
"In recruiting in this game you can use all different kinds of attributes to pave the way and a path for a players journey," Hood said. "If a kid struggles at the plate or in the field doesn't mean his baseball journey is done."
Sayers wasn't too concerned with the no-hitting stat while the game was going on because they didn't have any runs on the board four innings in.
"I really just wanted to beat the national champs but it felt more like a team success especially because last year we didn't win against them so it felt good to get this one," Collins said. "I didn't know until about the 8th inning, I did the east part, Will Croft went out there and did his job so I really owe him a lot of credit."