FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Kicking off its final regular-season series, the Methodist baseball team hosted Southern Virginia on Friday in the first of three games that could have significant impact on the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament seeding. The Monarchs earned a commanding 7-2 victory, momentarily passing the Knights in the conference standings.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Southern Virginia, 7-2
Records: Methodist 18-20 (10-9 USA South), Southern Virginia 13-20 (9-9 USA South)
Location: Armstrong-Shelley Field; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Pitchers dueled over the first three innings as Methodist's Josh Plisko conceded just one hit while Southern Virginia's Zach Geertsen allowed three. In the top of the fourth, the Knights recorded back-to-back singles with two outs, then had runners move to second and third on a wild pitch by Plisko. With his back against the wall, Plisko fanned the next batter for out number three.
- With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Brandon Mauger singled to center field, then advanced to second when Caleb Greene drew four consecutive balls. Tristen Melvin batted next, launching a ball into left center that rolled all the way to the wall. Two runs scored as Melvin slid safely into third for a triple. Later in the inning, Melvin scored on a wild pitch and Austin Rinzel was brought home on an RBI-single by Hunter Hollman.
- Methodist added two more runs in the fifth, then received a two-run response from the Knights in the top of the sixth.
- Brice Herring entered in the top of the seventh, pitching a scoreless frame for the Monarchs before handing over the reins to Brandon Humphreys for the final two innings.
- Methodist added one final run to its total in the eighth inning on a double to center field by Jackson Deal that scored Rinzel all the way from first base.
MORE STATS
- Josh Plisko dealt five strikeouts, putting him at 49 on the season.
- Brandon Mauger improved his batting average, going 3-for-4 at the plate.
- Austin Rinzel had an immaculate day offensively, batting 2-for-2, drawing two walks and stealing two bases.
UP NEXT
Methodist meets Southern Virginia again tomorrow for two final regular-season games with major conference tournament seeding implications on the line. The doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. following a senior day ceremony honoring senior catcher
Hunter Hollman.