Baseball | 3/17/2012 5:01:00 PM

DANVILLE, Va. - Averett University took the early lead and the Monarchs' comeback came up short leaving the Cougars with the 2-1 win.

Averett scored early using a lead-off walk and a timely single to score Jason Carter for the 1-0 lead. The Monarchs struggled with two defensive errors to start the bottom of the third and the Cougars went ahead 2-0.

Methodist had two runners on in the third, but got on the board in the fourth after a lead-off double from Trey Such. Tyler Younger and Chris Power singled to load the bases with one out and Dustin Brown hit the sacrifice fly to score Such and trim the lead to one. Averett ended the rally with a diving catch on Cody Molosky's bunt.

The Monarchs had a runner on in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but came up empty. Dustin Brown drew a walk in the ninth, but Averett forced two groundouts on the fielder's choice to end the inning and secure the 2-1 win.

Methodist's Brian Armstrong was 2-for-4 at the plate. Matt Quick, Such, Younger, Power and Steven Kirby finished with one hit apiece.

Chris Perry pitched his second consecutive complete game giving up just six hits with nine strikeouts.

Tyler Long pitched eight innings for Averett with six strikeouts and seven hits to earn the win. Matt Mitchell finished the game for the save.

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday for the second game of the series.

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