DEMOREST, Ga. The Methodist baseball team snapped its nine-game losing streak Saturday afternoon, holding off a late rally to defeat Piedmont University, 7–6, in non-conference action at Loudermilk Field.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: Methodist def. Piedmont, 7–6
Records: Methodist 3–10, Piedmont 9–5
Location: Loudermilk Field; Demorest, Georgia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist struck first in the second inning, plating three runs to grab the early advantage. Jackson Kuhn and Parker Evans each singled before advancing into scoring position on a sacrifice. Freshman Bronson Shaikh then delivered a two-run double to drive them both in. A few batters later, Shaikh scored on a sacrifice bunt by Austin Rinzel, giving the Monarchs a 3–0 lead.
- The Monarchs added to their cushion in the fifth inning with another three-run frame. Kade Bell and Rinzel opened the inning with back-to-back hits before Brandon Mauger laid down a bunt that led to a throwing error by Piedmont. The miscue allowed both runners to score while Mauger advanced to third. Blake Freeman later brought Mauger home with an RBI groundout to extend the lead to 6–0.
- Piedmont broke through in the seventh inning with two runs to trim the deficit to 6–2. Methodist added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, capitalizing on another Lions error to push the lead to 7–2.
- The Lions made things interesting in the bottom half of the inning. The first seven Piedmont batters reached base on four hits, two errors, and a walk, resulting in four runs and cutting the lead to 7–6. With the tying run on base, senior reliever Paul Olive settled in, striking out one batter before inducing a game-ending double play to secure the victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Bell paced the Methodist offense with three hits, while Rinzel and Shaikh each recorded two hits.
- Freshman Bryson Pope earned his first collegiate win, tossing a career-long six innings while allowing no earned runs.
- Olive picked up the save — his first of the season and his first since the 2023 campaign.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Armstrong-Shelley Field on Wednesday, March 11, to host Belhaven University. First Pitch is scheduled for 4 PM.
