FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist baseball came up just short in a tightly contested USA South matchup Saturday evening, falling 7–5 to visiting North Carolina Wesleyan University at Armstrong-Shelley Field.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: N.C. Wesleyan def. Methodist, 7–5
Records: Methodist 18–20 (13–7 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 14–24 (9–11 USA South)
Location: Armstrong-Shelley Field; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist struck first in the opening inning, taking a 1–0 lead. After reaching base, a Monarch runner came all the way around to score when junior Blake Freeman's single to right field was misplayed, allowing Freeman to advance to third.
- North Carolina Wesleyan answered in the second inning with a run to even the score.
- The game opened up in the third inning, with both teams plating four runs to make it 5–5. With the bases loaded, senior Israel Ortiz drew a walk to bring in a run before Freeman delivered a two-RBI single. Senior Keegan Megaro followed with an RBI base hit to cap the scoring for the Monarchs.
- The score remained tied until the eighth inning, when the Battling Bishops used a pair of doubles to take a 6–5 lead. They added an insurance run in the ninth to extend the advantage.
- Methodist had opportunities late, putting runners in scoring position in each of the final two innings, but was unable to capitalize as North Carolina Wesleyan held on for the win.
STAT FACTS
- Senior Austin Rinzel led the Monarchs at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a walk.
- Freeman drove in a team-high two RBIs.
- Methodist pitchers allowed seven runs, just three of which were earned.
UP NEXT
Methodist and North Carolina Wesleyan conclude their USA South series on Sunday, April 26. First pitch is set for 2 PM.
