GREENSBORO, N.C. The Methodist baseball team held off a late rally by Greensboro College on Friday afternoon, earning a 6–4 victory in USA South action at Ted Leonard Park.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: Methodist def. Greensboro, 6–4
Records: Methodist 12–14 (7–3 USA South), Greensboro 14–12 (6–4 USA South)
Location: Ted Leonard Park; Greensboro, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams broke through in the third inning to even the score at 1–1. For Methodist, junior Austin Rinzel reached base with a single and advanced to third on a failed pickoff attempt before scoring on a double by Brandon Mauger.
- The Monarchs regained the lead in the fourth inning. After senior Ethan Golemo led off with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, he came home on a wild pitch to give Methodist a 2–1 advantage. Greensboro answered in the fifth with a leadoff home run to tie the game once again at 2–2.
- Methodist pulled ahead in the sixth inning with two runs to make it 4–2. The first two Monarch batters reached base with hits to put runners in scoring position before a Greensboro error allowed one run to score. Freshman Kade Bell followed with an RBI single to extend the lead.
- The Monarchs added crucial insurance runs in the ninth inning to push their advantage to 6–2. After a leadoff walk and a base hit, a sacrifice bunt attempt was popped up but an errant throw by Greensboro still allowed both runners to advance into scoring position. Senior Keegan Megaro then delivered an infield single to drive in a run before another run scored on a wild pitch.
- Greensboro made things interesting in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the deficit to 6–4 with a two-run home run. With two outs, the Pride loaded the bases on two singles and a hit-by-pitch, but senior Jackson Kuhn induced a groundout to end the threat and secure the victory.
STAT FACTS
- Brandon Mauger (2-for-3) and Evan Parker (2-for-4) each recorded two hits for Methodist.
- Senior Andrew Bubon earned the win in his first start as a Monarch, tossing six strong innings while allowing two runs on 10 hits and striking out four batters.
- Kuhn picked up the save after pitching the final two innings and recording four strikeouts.
UP NEXT
Methodist continues its three-game USA South series against Greensboro on Saturday, April 4, with a doubleheader. First pitch for Game One is scheduled for 12 PM, followed by a 3 PM start for Game Two.
