Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University (19-12, 14-6 MEC) swept Wheeling Jesuit (4-22, 3-15 MEC) in MEC baseball doubleheader action at Fairfax Field on Friday. The Rams gained an 11-2 win in game one and added a 12-6 win in the nightcap.

Shepherd took a 1-0 lead in the first inning in game one as junior outfielder Nick Atkinson (Manassas, Va./Osbourn Park/VCU) singled and later scored on a wild pitch.

The Rams added a run in the second as junior outfielder Reid Entsminger (Stephens City, Va./Sherando/Lamar) reached on a walk and later scored on a single by sophomore outfielder Brenton Doyle (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run).

The Cardinals tied the game in the third with a pair of runs. Matt Angelini walked, moved to third on a double by Tristan Grimes and scored on a wild pitch, while Grimes later scored on a double by Adam Dennison.

Shepherd took a 5-2 lead with three runs in the bottom of the frame. Junior catcher Eddie Nottingham (Windsor Mill, Md./Mt. St. Joseph's) hit a solo homer, while Entsminger added a two-run double.

The Rams took a 9-2 lead with four runs in the fourth. Entsminger hit a three-run blast to key the rally.

Shepherd extended its lead to 11-2 with a pair of runs in the fifth. Doyle doubled and scored on a triple by Nottingham. Nottingham scored on a single by senior third baseman Chase Hoffman (Middletown, Md./Middletown).

Doyle went 3-for-5 and Entsminger was 2-for-2 with five RBI and two runs scored to lead the Rams.

Junior pitcher Justin Smith (Hagerstown, Md./Smithsburg/Hagerstown CC)(5.0 IP, 5 H,  2 ER, 4 K, 3 BB) (5-2) picked up the win with relief help from senior Nic Hammer (Jarrettsville, Md./North Harford) (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K, 2 BB). Cardinal starter Michael Finch (5.0 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 4 K, 4 BB) (0-5) took the loss.=

The Rams used a 10-hit attack en route to the nightcap win.

Shepherd got a three-run homer from McCourt and solo blasts from sophomore outfielder Riley Lazich (Big Pool, Md./Clear Spring/Radford)  and Atkinson in the triumph.

Sophomore second baseman Eric Sloper (Catlett, Va./Patriot) added a 2-for-3 effort with three RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Wes Martin (Westminster, Md./Winters Mill/UMES) (4.2 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 0 K, 1 BB) (2-2)gained the win. Josh Bell (2.2 IP, 8 H, 11 R, 2 ER, 3 K, 6 BB) (1-7) took the loss for the Cardinals.

The two teams return to action on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Fairfax Field.