CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb (14-18) baseball team fell 12-1 at Western Carolina (16-15) on Saturday afternoon at Hennon Stadium.
Third baseman Matt Ilgenfritz had the most productive game for the Runnin' Bulldogs, going 2-for-3 at the plate while driving in the lone run on the day. Second baseman Merik Carter was also able to tally a pair of hits for GWU.
The Runnin' Bulldogs started the game strong, picking up a run in the top of the first for an early lead. Shortstop Ryan Kennell kicked things off with a single through the right side before advancing to third on a double off the bat of Carter. Ilgenfritz then lifted a fly ball deep enough to score Kennell, giving the 'Dawgs an advantage.
However, Western Carolina came right back with a run of its own in the bottom half of the frame, knotting the score at 1-1.
The next three innings for both teams were quiet and uneventful, but the Catamounts posted three runs in the bottom of the fifth while opening a 4-1 advantage. That lead grew to 8-1 after Western put up two runs each in the sixth and seventh frames before ending the game with a four-spot in the home half of the eighth, tallying a 12-1, run-rule victory.
Gardner-Webb will return to action on Tuesday, April 8, traveling to the Queen City to face the 49ers of Charlotte. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
