FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  On Friday, Methodist University baseball began its three-game series against the Piedmont University. In a competitive pitcher's duel, the Monarchs emerged victorious with a score of 5–1 over the Lions at Armstrong-Shelley Field.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Piedmont, 5–1
Records: Methodist 9-4, Piedmont 8-4
Location: Armstrong–Shelley Field; Fayetteville, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The starting pitchers of Ian Swanson (Methodist) and Zeke Swartz (Piedmont) were dealing early, as they each only gave up one hit and struck out multiple batters through three innings.
• With support from the Lions defense, the Monarchs were the first to score. After Blake Freeman hit a single, Methodist loaded the bases due to a fielding error and another hit. Caleb Rogers then beat the throw at first base during a double play attempt, allowing Freeman to score and giving the Monarchs a 1–0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
• A couple of innings later, Piedmont tied the ballgame 1–1 in the sixth. Thanks to a hit, a Methodist error, and a fielder's choice, the Lions had runners on first and second base with one out, then a successful double steal advanced the runners to second and third. Eventually, Jack Ryan drove in the lone Piedmont run on his sacrifice fly to right field.
• The Monarchs would reclaim the lead in the bottom half of the sixth as they scored two runs to go up 3–1. With runners on first and third, Rogers stepped up to the plate and laid down a sacrifice bunt to score the go-ahead run. One batter later, Methodist again had runners on the corners following another Lions' error. Then, a rare balk and catcher's interference at the plate allowed the Monarchs to score their second run of the inning.
• Methodist secured two more insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings but were not necessarily needed, as the Monarch hurlers of Swanson and Andrew Bubon limited Piedmont's offense to just two hits during the last few innings.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Methodist pitching duo of Swanson and Bubon were excellent against the Lions. Swanson, who pitched seven innings, only gave up one run (unearned) and struck out five batters, while Bubon tossed the last two innings, surrendered just one hit, and had one strikeout.
• Rinzel led all batters with his three-hit performance (3-of-4), and Rogers had a game-high two RBIs.
• Other Monarchs with multiple hits were Brandon Mauger and Freeman, as they each had two.

UP NEXT
Methodist continues its series with Piedmont on Saturday, March 8, with first pitch scheduled for 2 PM.