FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist was limited to four hits during a drizzly, chilly non-conference loss Tuesday to visiting University of Mary Washington. The Eagles scored early then relied on their pitching in the visitor's 8-0 victory over the Monarchs.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Mary Washington def. Methodist, 8-0
Records: Methodist 4-1, Mary Washington 1-0
Location: Armstrong-Shelley Field; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The early runs surrendered by Methodist starter Ricky Cameron seemed harmless, given the method and Methodist's per-game average of more than seven runs.
- The Eagles slashed a single that landed just inside the right-field line to kick off a one-out rally in the top of the first. A bloop single between the second baseman and left fielder added another runner on the base paths, followed by another single that jammed them full.
- Cameron walked the next batter for the first Mary Washington run, and the second run scored on a ground out.
- While not exactly a powerful at-bat, the Eagles were finding holes, though, adding another run in the top of the second. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Robert Cross was silencing the Methodist bats.
- The Monarchs weren't able to pick up their first hit off cross, a single up the middle by Elliott Manley, until the fifth inning.
- Mary Washington added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh before lifting Cross for Hang Biggs at the start of the bottom of the frame.
- Methodist worked the bases full with two outs against Biggs but were unable to find the final 90 feet.
- Three unearned runs in the top of the eighth provided the Eagles with their final winning margin.
STAT SHEET
- Manley collected two of Methodist's four hits in the loss. Clay Richardson and pinch-hitter Will May each added one hit.
- Cross (1-0) and Biggs were around the plate all afternoon, surrendering just three walks.
- Cameron (0-1) took the loss on the mound for Methodist, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning four in three innings of work.
- Stephen Johnston paced the Mary Washington attack with three hits and three RBI.
NEXT UP
Methodist hosts the Armstrong Invitational on Friday through Sunday, welcoming Penn State-Behrend, Rutgers-Camden and Lynchburg to Armstrong-Shelley for a round-robin weekend.