BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb plated five runs in the bottom of the eighth, rallying from a two-run deficit to defeat North Carolina A&T, 11-8, on Sunday afternoon at Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium.
Trailing 8-6 as play headed to the bottom of the eighth inning, Gardner-Webb (5-2) loaded the bases with two outs, setting up a two-RBI single by
Ben LaSpaluto to tie the Aggies (2-5).
Cam Pearcey reached on a walk to load the bases once again, leading to a two-RBI knock to right field by
Mitch McLendon to give GWU a 10-8 lead. That was immediately followed by a RBI hit to left field by
Eric Jones to push Gardner-Webb's lead to 11-8.
GWU reliever
Chase Britton preserved the lead in the top of the ninth inning, recording three outs to earn the save in his first career appearance.
Gardner-Webb jumped out to an initial 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, scoring on a base hit by Jones and a RBI groundout by
Joe Brazil.
N.C. A&T answered in the top of the second, scoring twice on a single by Connor Knapp, and would take the lead in the top of the fourth inning with Knapp scoring on a wild pitch, followed by a RBI knock to left field by Justin Rodriguez.
The Runnin' Bulldogs trimmed one run off of their deficit in the bottom of the fourth with
Joe Brazil crossing the plate following a throwing error by N.C. A&T catcher Scott Meitzler.
Gardner-Webb reclaimed the lead in the fifth with Cunningham launching a three-run blast to right field, the first home run of his collegiate career to set the score at 6-4.
The Aggies took the lead back in the seventh inning. Dustin Baber drove in one run on a double to the left field gap, followed by a RBI groundout by Knapp, and Baber later scored on a wild pitch, giving A&T a 7-6 advantage.
N.C. A&T tacked on an additional run to its lead in the top of the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Donte' Wade.
Gardner-Webb totaled 12 base hits on the day, with Cunningham (2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI), LaSpaluto (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI), Jones (2-for-5, 2 RBI), McLendon (2-for-3, 2 RBI), and
JP McGuire (2-for-3) each having multiple-hit outings.
North Carolina A&T collected eight hits, paced by Shane Faulk, who was 3-for-3 on the day.
Tyler Harrison (1-0) earned the win on the mound for the Runnin' Bulldogs, allowing one run on one base hit with one strikeout in 1.2 innings of work. Starter
Noah Davis lasted 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on three hits with five strikeouts. Britton worked the final frame, allowing no runs on no hits for the save.
Gianni Smith (0-1) took the loss for the Aggies, allowing three runs on two hits while recording just one out from the bullpen. Starter Peyton Winebarger tossed 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits while fanning four batters.
Gardner-Webb will hit the road for the first time this season Tuesday afternoon at Georgia Tech. First pitch is slated for 4:00 pm with live coverage on ACC Network Extra.
