DURHAM, N.C. - No. 13 Duke scored runs in six of the first seven innings of play to go on to hand Gardner-Webb a 13-4 loss in the opener of Sunday's doubleheader.
Gardner-Webb falls to 26-21 overall, while Duke improves to 34-11 on the year.
The Blue Devils jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Chris Proctor drilled a two-run home run over the right field wall in the bottom of the first inning.
Duke increased its lead in the bottom of the third inning, scoring one run on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Michael Smiciklas to hold a 3-0 advantage.
The Blue Devils seized control of the game the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Joey Loperfido drove in a pair of runs a base knock through the right side, followed by a two-run home run drilled well into the right field trees by Griffin Conine. An additional run would score later in the frame on a single to right field by Kennie Taylor, giving Duke an 8-0 lead.
Gardner-Webb began to fight back in the top of the fifth inning. The 'Dogs drew three consecutive walks to load the bases with no outs, which led to the Blue Devils going their bullpen to bring in reliever Ryan Day.
The first run of the day for GWU would then score on a fielder's choice off of the bat of
Mason Fox, which was immediately followed by a double belted down the left field line by
Mickey Dugan, driving in a pair of runs to trim Duke's lead to 8-3 with one out.
Eric Jones connected with a base hit up the middle to score Dugan to set the score at 8-4 later in the frame.
Duke added an additional run in the bottom of the fifth, as Jimmy Herron was able to score on a wild pitch, increasing its lead to 9-4.
The Blue Devils would add four additional runs in the remaining innings to take a 13-4 decision.
Bill Chillari (6-1) earned the win on the mound for Duke, working 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing no base hits and just one walk. Starter Adam Laskey went 4.0 innings, giving up three runs on a pair of base hits with three strikeouts while walking five batters. Day lasted 1.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits with one strikeout. Matt Mervis tossed the final 2.0 innings, giving up no runs on one base hit.
Langdon Wilson (2-1) took the loss for Gardner-Webb, surrendering three runs on three hits with a pair of strikeouts but five walks in the first three innings of play. GWU used a total of six pitchers in the contest.
Duke had 12 base hits, led by Conine (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) and Jimmy Herron (2-for-5, RBI, 2 runs).
Gardner-Webb managed five hits throughout the game, led by Dugan (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 run).
