BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Gardner-Webb scored five unanswered runs to overcome an early 2-0 deficit, defeating Quinnipiac by a 5-2 score on Tuesday evening.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (7-11) fell behind by a 2-0 score to Quinnipiac (6-8) in the top of the first inning after the Bobcats strung together three straight base hits with two outs, capped by a 2-RBI single by Brian Moskey.
GWU would answer in the bottom of the third, leading off the frame with a pair of walks. Corey Howard would send the first run across the plate with a RBI single to center field. Matt Simmons and Howard would later score on wild pitches to give the Diamond 'Dogs a 3-2 lead.
Gardner-Webb would score in the bottom of the fourth as Mason Fox would score on a throwing error by Quinnipiac second baseman Ryan Nelson.
The Diamond 'Dogs would tack on an additional run in the fifth after a RBI single through the left side by Luke Kaesmeyer plated Simmons, who led off the frame with a double to center field.
Quinnipiac would attempt a comeback effort in the top of the eighth inning, earning three base knocks off of reliever Jarrett Thompson to load the bases with two away, but Thompson was able to strike out Nelson to thwart the attempted rally.
Wil Sellers came out of the bullpen for the first time in 2017 for the ninth inning, fanning two of three Bobcat batters to seal the win for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Gardner-Webb collected five base hits throughout the evening, with extra base hits by Justin Kunz (1-4, 2B) and Simmons (1-2, 2B, RBI).
Quinnipiac totaled eight base knocks, led by Joseph Burns, Moskey, and Nelson, who each had two hits apiece.
Landon Mitchell earned the win on the mound for GWU, the first of his collegiate career. Mitchell lasted 6.0 innings, allowing two earned runs while fanning four batters. Sellers earned the save, his first of the season.
Vargas took the loss for Quinnipiac, allowing four earned runs in 5.0 innings of work with three strikeouts.
Gardner-Webb returns to action on Friday evening, hosting Georgetown in the opening contest of a three-game weekend series. First pitch is set for 6:00 pm at John Henry Moss Stadium.
