BOILING SPRINGS, N.C – Gardner-Webb collected 11 base hits to propel itself to an 8-1 series-opening win over Georgetown on Friday evening.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (8-11) had five players to have multiple base hits, while holding Georgetown (11-7) to just three hits on the evening.
The 'Dogs got on the board early, scoring twice in the first and third innings to take an early 4-0 lead.
GWU lead off the third with three consecutive base hits, capped by a RBI double by Collin Thacker. GWU would load the bases with one out, and with two outs, Mickey Dugan would draw a bases loaded walk to send home Luke Kaesmeyer.
Thacker would hit a drive in an additional run in the bottom of the fourth, singling to right field to score Corey Howard, who reached on a base knock to center field earlier in the frame.
The Hoyas would score their lone run of the evening in the top of the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Richie O'Reilly. The inning was the last time Georgetown would be able to put runners in scoring position, with the only time prior taking place in the top of the first.
Gardner-Webb would answer in the bottom of the fifth, scoring three times to put the game out of reach.
Zach Mosay earned the win for the Runnin' Bulldogs, tossing an efficient 7.0 innings, allowing one run on three base hits. He also fanned three batters while only issuing two walks. Tyler Johnson and Taylor Goodwin each pitched one inning in relief, with nether allowing a baserunner.
Simon Mathews took the loss for Georgetown, lasting 4.0 innings, giving up five earned runs on 10 base hits.
Thacker (2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI), Kaesmeyer (2-for-5, 2B, 2 runs), Howard (2-for-5, 3 runs), Dugan (2-for-3, 2 RBI, run), and Paul Trick (2-for-4, run) led the Diamond 'Dogs at the plate.
Georgetown had base hits from Austin Shirley, Michael Derenzi, and Jake Kuzbel.
The two teams will meet again tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm at John Henry Moss Stadium.
