CARY, N.C.  A ninth-inning grand slam by Alex Kachler padded a Methodist three-run advantage as the 24th-ranked Monarchs finished off an 8-0 victory over host William Peace University in USA South Athletic Conference baseball action Sunday afternoon.

Methodist broke a scoreless tie with a run in the top of the third and added two more in the sixth off RBI-at bats from Tucker Criswell and Will May.

Christian Yarbrough had already scored on a passed ball in the top of the ninth when Kachler slammed an Austin Padgett offering over the left-field wall.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. William Peace, 8-0
Records: Methodist 26-6 (15-4 USA South), William Peace 9-22 (5-14)
Location: USA Baseball Complex; Cary, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Seth Beard was the very definition of dominant as he earned the win after pitching seven innings and racking up a whopping 10 strikeouts. He gave up only one hit and two walks.
• Kachler's grand slam in the ninth deflated all hopes of a Pacers' rally. A 4-0 advantage turned into an 8-0 lead off of one bomb to left field.
• Strickland scoring on an error in the third inning was the game's only run until the sixth inning when Criswell doubled to score Kachler and May scored Criswell later in the inning for a 3-0 advantage.
• Parker Fernstrum ruined Beard's no-hitter with a bunt single in the fifth.

STAT FACTS

• The team's 14 strikeouts tied a team-high. Will Walker added a strikeout in his one inning of work, and Hunter Barnes was magnificent in his inning with all three outs coming by way of Pacer statues called out looking.
• Kachler led with three hits, four RBIs, and two runs scored. He had a double to go with his grand slam.
• Strickland had two hits and drew two walks while Clay Richardson finished with two hits and one walk.

UP NEXT
Methodist and William Peace will complete the three-game series Monday with a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m.