Shim, patient at-bats lead Air Force to series-opening win over Navy

KINSTON- On the back of starter Seungmin Shim's career-best evening, the Falcons built an early lead and subsequently cruised to a 7-1 win to open the 2024 Freedom Classic.

Simply, C1C Shim was outstanding, resetting career-highs in innings pitched (7.0) and strikeouts (10), as the big lefty allowed just one run to go with seven hits and one walk.

The senior surrendered his lone earned run in the 6th before trotting back out for the 7th, retiring the Midshipmen in order.

In his last two starts against Navy, Shim has tossed 13.0 innings while being responsible for two runs and 17 strikeouts, equating to a 1.38 ERA.

The Air Force lineup didn't force what wasn't there, as the Falcons accumulated five walks in the bottom of the 1st. Chase Spencer and Tripp Garrish each drew bases-loaded walks to put Air Force up 2-0 early in the ballgame.

One inning later, walks by Connor Christenson and Aerik Joe were followed by Sam Kulasingam's RBI double down the left field line to score the former. The double stands as Kulasingam's first extra-base hit of the new spring.

Jay Thomason tacked on another run, shooting an infield single up the middle to create a 4-0 lead. Thomason finished the night 3-4 with a pair of doubles as well.

Later in the 2nd, Chris Stallings closed the inning with a RBI groundout, as Air Force led 5-0 after two innings.

In the 4th, Spencer laid down a picturesque sac bunt to bring in a run, while Stallings launched his first home run of the new season in the 8th, a long solo home run over the left field fence.

Stallings was 2-3 with two RBIs and two walks.

As well, Aerik Joe forced two free passes, extending his on-base streak to 39-consecutive games. In total, Air Force drew 12 walks, the most the Falcons have drawn since forcing 13 free-passes on April 23, 2023.

Cooper Loveridge and Kyle Moats combined to throw two scoreless innings in the 8th and 9th, securing the rivalry win. Air Force is now 19-18 all-time against Navy in Freedom Classic matchups.

Next, the Falcons will again battle the Midshipmen, as Game Two of the series is scheduled for Saturday, February 24 at 12:00 pm MT.

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