Diamond 'Dogs Drop Series Finale, 4-1, At Presbyterian
May 17, 2014 | Baseball
CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 4-1 win in the series finale over Gardner-Webb Saturday afternoon.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (24-29, 11-15 Big South) will await the official bracket release for the 2014 Big South Conference Tournament later Saturday, with a No. 8 seed and matchup with top-seed Liberty expected Tuesday afternoon in Rock Hill, S.C., at 4:30 pm.
On Saturday, Gardner-Webb used an RBI single from Matt Simmons in the sixth to drive home Scott Coleman and tied the game. Coleman had walked earlier in the inning.
The Blue Hose (19-34-1, 9-18 Big South) would break free in the eighth, however, with Billy Motrioni leading off with a single against reliever Mitch Warner. A sacrifice bunt moved Motrioni into scoring position, and Gardner-Webb went to closer Brad Haymes.
Brandon Paul greeted Haymes with an RBI double for a 2-1 lead and Weston Jackson followed with an RBI single for a 3-1 edge. Slugger Brad Zebedis then doubled home Jackson for the final margin.
The Runnin' Bulldogs got the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, when Alex Newman was hit by a pitch and Henry Rundio singled – but Presbyterian would hold on for the win.
Warner (1-4) took the loss in relief, allowing one run on two hits in 2.1 innings pitched. Starter Andrew Barnett allowed just one run on three hits in 5.0 innings pitched, striking out three without issuing a walk.
Gardner-Webb collected six hits in the game, with Rundio (2-for-3) leading the offense. Scott Johnson doubled in the game and Simmons (1-for-4, RBI) drove in the lone run.
Relief man Trey Hayes picked up the win for Presbyterian, hurling 1.2 scoreless frames. Zebedis (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) and Jacob Midkiff (2-for-2, RBI) led the Blue Hose offensively. PC had eight hits in the game.
A full bracket for the upcoming Big South Tournament will be released later Saturday.
