FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist started their season off on a high note, snagging both games on Saturday, February 12 in a non-conference doubleheader against Hood College. The Monarchs won the first game, 13-7, at Armstrong-Shelley Field before claiming the second game by a score of 14-4.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: Methodist def. Hood, 13-7; Methodist def. Hood, 14-4
Records: Methodist 2-0, Hood 0-2
Location: Armstrong-Shelley Field; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In Game 1, the Monarchs scored all 13 of their runs throughout seven innings. Jacob Austin kicked off his first at bat with home run, to tally Methodist's first run. Spencer Nelson smacked two, two run homers in the third and sixth innings, advancing the Monarchs lead to 12-2.
- Despite having a strong offense early in the game, Methodist's defense struggled in the eighth inning allowing the Blazers to score four of their next five runs. Will Dagenhart closed out the game, getting the third out at second and secured the win 13-7 over Hood.
- Methodist took control of the second game early on after putting 10 runs on the board through the first two innings. Rob Wilkerson hit a two run homer in the first inning and Nelson added a home run in the third inning, his third homerun of the day.
- The Monarchs tacked onto Game 2's lead by scoring two more runs in the sixth, finishing the game in the seventh to earn the Methodist's second win,14-4.
STAT FACTS
- In Game 1, Nelson earned a new career high hitting two home runs and four RBI's. Nelson and Blunt led with three hits and Hall, Bowles, and Wheeler each had two.
- Austin Skipper pitched well at the start of Game 2, only giving up one run in the first three innings. Brandon Humphreys went in as the relief pitcher in the fourth inning, and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.
UP NEXT
Next up for Methodist baseball is the Diamond Invitational at Armstrong-Shelley Field beginning on Friday February 18 at 4 p.m., as they will host Messiah University in a non-conference game.
