BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Despite a valiant comeback attempt in the late innings, the Gardner-Webb (10-9, 0-1) baseball team dropped a tough 7-6 contest against visiting UNC Asheville (8-10, 1-0) on Friday afternoon at John Henry Moss Stadium.

After trailing 5-0 following the first frame, the Runnin' Bulldogs posted six runs over the final three innings but left the tying run stranded at third base in the Big South Conference opener for both teams.

Asheville came out of the gate strong, posting five runs in the top of the first, benefiting from four hits, the big blow coming from a three-run homerun off the bat of Patrick Gillen. Two single runs in the third and seventh innings pushed the Bulldogs ahead 7-0.

However, Gardner-Webb's woke up in the bottom half of the seventh as the 'Dawgs posted four runs on four hits. Junior Ryan Kennell sparked the rally with a one-out double to right before coming around to score following a two-run blast by junior Tanner Thomas.

Redshirt-senior Dale Francis Jr. kept the at-bat alive with a two-out walk before redshirt-senior Garrett Macias launched the second two-run homerun of the frame for Gardner-Webb, trimming the deficit to 7-4.

Redshirt-sophomore Drew Ripepi led the bottom of the eighth off with a solo shot to left center, drawing GWU to within a single run heading to the final at-bat. Redshirt-junior Ethan Liao tallied an RBI double to right, scoring pinch runner Carson Willoughby while putting the tying run in scoring position with two outs.

Liao advanced to third on a wild pitch before Ripepi drew a walk to represent the game-winning run on first. However, a strikeout ended the ended the game, leaving the Runnin' Bulldogs comeback attempt just short.

Due to inclement weather proposed for the area on Sunday, the final two games of the three-game set will be played tomorrow afternoon on Bill Masters Field with game one starting at 3 p.m.