KINGSPORT, Tenn. - A trio of doubles produced three runs in the eighth inning to send No. 3 seed St. Thomasto the championship round of the Kingsport Bracket of the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round with a 9-6 win over fifth-seeded Rio Grande (Ohio).

Tied at six in the top of the eighth, Michael Centeno led off with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Cesar Ramirez followed a double to put the Bobcats up 7-6. After Oscar Aguirre was intentionally walked, Oscar Rodriguez lined a double to deep right-center field to push two runs across for a 9-6 advantage.

Tyeler Checkley took care of the rest on the mound, tossing 3 2/3 innings of shutout ball to end the game for the win. He allowed three hits and no walks with three strikeouts.

Aguirre and Ramirez each went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a RBI for St. Thomas (37-21 overall).  Centeno went went 4-for-5 with two two doubles and two runs scored.

St. Thomas will now play Tennessee Wesleyan with a 3:30 p.m. ET start time in another must-win scenario.  If the Bobcats defeat Tennessee Wesleyan, the two teams will face off again Friday in a winner-take-all championship game.

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