BELMONT, N.C. – Shepherd University outhit Belmont Abbey (6-1), 15-7, but the Crusaders recorded a 14-9 win over Shepherd University (0-3) in baseball action at Belmont Abbey on Saturday.
The Crusaders scored four runs in the first inning with a two-run single by Michael Fattore keying the rally.
After Belmont Abbey added a run in the second, Shepherd got on the board in the fourth when redshirt-senior infielder
Wyatt Miles (Waterford, Va./Woodgrove/Frederick CC) led off with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of senior third baseman
Aidan Greaney (New Windsor, Md./South Carroll/Frederick Community College).
Belmont Abbey responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth before Shepherd plated four runs in the fifth to cut the lead to 8-5. Miles belted a two-run double to key the rally.
The Crusaders added three runs in the fifth to gain an 11-5 advantage.
Shepherd tacked on three runs in the eighth behind an RBI-single by junior outfielder
Bodie Pullen (Winchester, Va./James Wood) and a two-run single by junior outfielder
Nik Rubendall (East Norriton, Pa./Pope John Paul II).
The Crusaders took advantage of three walks and a hit-by-pitch to score three in the bottom of the eighth to up their lead to 14-8.
The Rams added a run in the ninth as junior catcher
Austin Sofran (Swedesboro, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) walked and later scored on a single by junior shortstop
Ethan Burgreen (Winchester, Va./Millbrook).
Pullen had three hits for the Rams, while redshirt-sophomore designated hitter
Ethan Jones (Oakton, Va./Oakton), Burgreen, Miles, and Rubendall each added a pair.
Joe Whitaker drove in three runs and scored three to lead the Crusaders.
Ryan Conover (0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K, 1 BB) (1-0) gained the win. Sophomore pitcher
Michael Burnley (Sicklerville, N.J/St. Augustine Prep) (3.0 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 2 K, 4 BB) (0-1) took the loss.
The Rams return to action on Saturday when they travel to Francis Marion to face UNC Pembroke in a noon doubleheader.
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