#6 Grace Christian Walks Off Covenant Day in 2-1 Thriller

Crusaders Park | Sanford, NC | March 7, 2025

In a dramatic finish under the lights in Sanford, NC, Grace Christian School pulled off a walk-off 2-1 victory over Covenant Day, scoring both of their runs on a dropped fly ball with two outs in the final inning.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th, Matt Murchison (UNC Wilmington commit) lifted a fly ball to deep right-center. The ball, which would have been a difficult play, was dropped, allowing the tying and winning runs to score and securing the victory for Grace Christian.

Pitcher's Duel Dominates Early

The game featured elite pitching on both sides.

• Luke Roupe (South Carolina commit) was electric for Grace Christian, striking out 15 batters in a complete game effort, allowing just two hits, one walk, and one unearned run.
• Isaac Snapp (Southeastern CC commit) matched Roupe early, keeping the Crusaders in check. He threw four innings of one-hit ball, striking out seven before handing it over to the bullpen.

Covenant Day Strikes First

The Lions took the lead in the 4th inning after Mike Scaletta reached on an error and later scored on an Ethan Frazier RBI single. They held the lead into the 7th inning before Grace Christian's late rally.

7th-Inning Rally Seals the Win

Down 1-0, Grace Christian sparked a final-inning rally:

• Alex Pena Jimenez drew a leadoff walk.
• Jimmy Alfonsin worked a pinch-hit walk to put two runners on.
• With two outs, Anaan Rahming singled, loading the bases.
• Murchison's deep fly ball was misplayed, allowing Grace Christian to walk it off in thrilling fashion.

Covenant Day Standouts

• Brode Dixon – 1-for-2, 1 RBI
• Zeb Engstrom – 1-for-3

Covenant Day Pitching

• Isaac Snapp (ND) – 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
• Hunter Kincheloe (L) – 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 4 K

Grace Christian Standouts

• Anaan Rahming – 1-for-4
• Connor Howard – 1-for-2
• Matt Murchison – Game-winning fly ball

Grace Christian Pitching

• Luke Roupe (W) – Complete Game: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 15 K

SCOUT BLOG

Luke Roupe, RHP, Grace Christian School, 2025
South Carolina commit. Physical presence. Broad shoulders. 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. Simple setup and delivery. Stable over the rubber. Level, closes his line slightly as he gets to balance. Kick to the mid-chest. Athletic and on-time swing back to his on-line and square foot-strike. Long arm swing has athleticism through a high-3/4 slot. Good arm speed. Athletic finish. Fastball ranged