Baseball | 4/16/2009 8:00:17 PM

BURLINGTON, N.C. - Averett University took a 2-0 lead over the Monarchs and a late ninth inning rally came up short for the Monarchs as they fell 2-1.

Averett loaded the bases in the top of the sixth inning with one out, but Methodist pitcher Landon Jordan forced a pop up to shortstop and then struck out the next batter to hold the Cougars scoreless. Averett came back in the seventh and used a hit and run play to put runners on first and third before executing the squeeze to go ahead 1-0.

Methodist's designated hitter Philip Betterly reached on a fielder's choice in the eighth and stole second before reaching third on a wild pitch, but was left stranded at the end of the inning. The Cougars added a run in the ninth on another squeeze to add an insurance run. Brad Davis drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the ninth for the Monarchs and Doug Furlong entered as a pinch runner. With two outs, Brian Goodwin doubled down the right field line for Furlong to score. Averett retired the next batter to secure the 2-1 win.

The Monarchs had six different players finish with a hit a piece. Landon Jordan went 6.2 innings allowing eight hits with five strikeouts. Alex Sholar entered in relief.

Methodist will face Christopher Newport on Friday at 9:30 am at Elon University.

Box Score

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