CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian scored runs in each of the first four innings to go on to hand Gardner-Webb a 11-6 loss in Sunday's series finale.
Gardner-Webb (10-10, 2-4 Big South) attempted to rally, scoring all of its six runs in the last three innings and having the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth, but Presbyterian (10-14, 4-2 Big South) was able to hold on to the lead to take the weekend series.
The Blue Hose jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, scoring their first run of the day on a RBI double to right field by Jimmy Marcelli, and they would add another run to the their lead in the second on a RBI double by Andrew Livingston.
PC pushed its advantage to 5-0 in the bottom of the third, scoring twice on a base hit by Marcelli, later followed by a RBI knock to right field by Jeremiah Boyd.
Marcelli drove in three additional runs in the fourth on a bases-clearing triple with two outs, and sent in an additional run in the sixth on a base hit to give Presbyterian a 9-0 lead.
The Runnin' Bulldogs got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh as
Mitch McLendon sent two runs across on a base hit to left field. That was followed by a RBI double to left field by
Justin Kunz, who would score later in the frame on a wild pitch to pull GWU within five runs at 9-4.
Presbyterian pushed its lead back to seven runs in the bottom half of the seventh, scoring twice on a RBI double by Nick Guimbarda, setting the score at 11-4
Gardner-Webb attempted to rally in the top of the ninth inning, plating two runs with two outs on a RBI base hit by
Ben Rowdon.
Chris Clary and
Colton Sakamoto would each draw walks to load the bases, putting the tying run on deck, but PC would send Grayson Stoneking to the mound, thwarting GWU's comeback effort by fanning
Ben LaSpaluto to end the game.
Presbyterian had 14 base hits on the afternoon, paced by Marcelli (4-for-5, 2B, 3B, 7 RBI) and Guimbarda (4-for-5, 3 2B, 2 RBI).
GWU collected seven base hits throughout the game, with Sakamoto leading the team with a 2-for-4 performance.
Reagan Fowler (2-3) earned the win on the mound for the Blue Hose, tossing five shutout innings with five strikeouts while scattering just two base hits. Andrew Durden worked 1.2 innings in relief, allowing four runs on three hits, while Matt Norton tossed two innings, allowing two runs on two hits with a pair of strikeouts. Stoneking recorded the final out by strikeout to earn his first save of the season.
Kyle Ruehlman (2-1) took the loss for the Runnin' Bulldogs, giving up eight runs on ten base hits with three strikeouts. GWU used a total of six pitchers on the day.
Gardner-Webb returns to action Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm against Furman.
