SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Air Force Academy Falcons baseball team played against the Naval Academy team in the Freedom Classic at the Historic Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina, Feb. 26-28.
The Falcons lost to the Navy team 3-1 during the series opener, losing its first game of the season, falling to 4-1. On day two of the Freedom Classic, the Air Force dropped a 5-0 contest to the Navy.
Day two opened with Chief Master Sgt. Shane Wagner, 4th Fighter Wing command chief, throwing the first pitch after opening ceremonies.
“It was awesome to see so many people out enjoying an American pastime between two teams comprised of the future of the Air Force and Navy leaders,” said Wagner. “What an honor it was to be a part of that.”
During game two, Air Force starting pitcher Jacob DeVries worked four innings striking out five of the Navy’s players. First baseman Russell Williams and second baseman Shaun Mize had base hits for the Falcons. The Navy plated a run in the fourth, two in the fifth, and two in the eight innings of the game.
The Falcons ended the series strong on day three, defeating the Navy 10-5, improving to 5-2 on the season.
The Air Force Academy baseball team returns to action March 4, opening Mountain West play with a three-game home series against Nevada.