CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb University baseball team defeated Western Carolina University in a non-conference meeting on Tuesday evening by a final score of 9-6.
 
Alec Burns got things started for GWU with a first inning solo shot to right field. The Catamounts responded with a four-run bottom of the first via a single and a three-run homer.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs took the lead back in the top of the third putting up four of their own. Mark Black singled to right center bringing home two, Burns reached on a wild pitch, and Peter Capobianco singled to bring home Black.
 
With a 5-4 lead, Gardner-Webb built on their lead in the sixth as Ryan Kennell singled scoring Nick Capozzi, Burns singled to score Max Smyley, and Matt Ilgenfritz doubled tallying two RBI's.
 
WCU ended up getting two more on the board in the bottom of the ninth via a two RBI single, but Devin Pressley ultimately closed out the game. Kazuya Kojima earned the win for the Runnin' Bulldogs, and Spenser Hamblen of WCU the loss.

Gardner-Webb will return to the field on Friday, May 10 on the road at the University of North Carolina Asheville for a three-game Big South series starting at 5:00 p.m.