BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Senior Bradley Hallman hurled eight scoreless innings, holding Canisius to only two base hits to lead Gardner-Webb to a 5-0 win on Sunday afternoon.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (2-2) had eight base hits in the final game of the opening weekend series, while the Griffs (2-2) had just two base hits throughout the afternoon.
Hallman was efficient in his season debut, fanning six batters with only two walks, facing just 27 batters in 8.0 innings of work. The junior right-hander retired the first eleven batters of the afternoon before surrendering a base hit to Ryan Stekl in the top of the fourth inning.
Gardner-Webb gave Hallman support early, loading the bases in the bottom of the first inning, scoring one run after a sacrifice fly by Collin Thacker scored Mason Fox, who singled to lead off the frame.
The Runnin' Bulldogs would seize control of the game in the bottom of the fourth after a 2-RBI double to left field by Luke Kaesmeyer with two outs, followed by a RBI single by Corey Howard that sent Kasesmeyer across the plate.
GWU would tack on another run in the bottom of the eighth inning as Paul Trick led off the frame with a solo shot over the left field wall. The home run was the ninth of the season thus far for the Diamond 'Dogs, a mark they didn't reach until March 16 of last year, the 19th game of the 2016 season.
Kaesmeyer (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) and Trick (2-for-4, HR, RBI) paced the Runnin' Bulldogs at the plate, each collecting multiple hits.
Stekl was the only Canisius player to get a hit Sunday afternoon, going 2-for-4. The remainder of the Griffs went a combined 0-for-22 on the day.
Hallman earned the win on the mound for the 'Dogs, with Tyler Johnson making an appearance for the ninth, striking out two of the three batters he faced to seal the game for GWU.
Carson Perkins took the loss for Canisius, lasting 3.2 innings, allowing two earned runs with five strikeouts.
Gardner-Webb returns to action this Wednesday afternoon, as the team travels to Chapel Hill, N.C. to take on No. 9 North Carolina. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm at Boshamer Stadium.
