MISENHEIMER, N.C. Methodist baseball mounted a late comeback but came up just short on Friday evening, falling 7–6 in 10 innings to Pfeiffer University in a USA South contest at Joe Ferebee Field.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: Pfeiffer def. Methodist, 7–6 (10 Inn.)
Records: Methodist 15–19 (10–6 USA South), Pfeiffer 19–14 (12–3 USA South)
Location: Joe Ferebee Field; Misenheimer, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams got on the board in the second inning, scoring one run apiece. After a pair of walks and a groundout moved runners into scoring position, freshman Bronson Shaikh brought home Methodist's first run on an RBI groundout. Pfeiffer answered in the bottom half with an RBI double to even the score.
- The Monarchs regained the lead in the third inning, 2–1, after loading the bases with no outs. A double play brought a run home, but limited further damage.
- Pfeiffer responded by taking control over the next two innings, plating two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to go ahead 4–2.
- Methodist chipped away in the sixth inning. Senior Ethan Golemo led off with a single and advanced on a throwing error before eventually scoring on another productive out by Shaikh, trimming the deficit to 4–3.
- The Falcons extended their lead in the seventh inning with two more runs, making it 6–3 heading into the final frames.
- Facing their final outs, the Monarchs rallied in the ninth inning to force extras. With runners on base, junior Austin Rinzel delivered an RBI double to left field, followed by a run-scoring single from senior Israel Ortiz. After a double steal moved runners into scoring position, a Pfeiffer error allowed the tying run to cross, evening the score at 6–6.
- Methodist threatened in the 10th with two runners aboard but could not push across a run. In the bottom half, Pfeiffer capitalized and delivered the walk-off to secure the 7–6 victory.
STAT FACTS
- Junior Brandon Mauger led the Monarch offense, going 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.
- Junior Blake Freeman and Rinzel each added two hits.
- Shaikh recorded a team-high two RBIs without a hit, both coming on productive outs.
- Methodist falls to 0–5 in extra innings this season.
UP NEXT
Methodist continues its three-game series at Pfeiffer on Saturday, April 18. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM.
