BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Redshirt senior Thad Ector delivered the Runnin' Bulldogs seventh walk off of the season, defeating Bradley (9-43) 7-6 in the nightcap of a twin-billing on Saturday evening. Gardner-Webb (23-28) earned a split on the day after dropping an 11-9 decision to Campbell during the early session.
GAME ONE: Campbell 11, Gardner-Webb 9
Campbell struck first in the opening inning, pushing across a run to take an early 1–0 lead. The game remained quiet offensively for both sides through the first three innings as Gardner-Webb starter Matt Stuart settled in and the Runnin' Bulldogs searched for their first hit.
Gardner-Webb broke through in the fourth inning. After working traffic on the bases, the Runnin' Bulldogs plated three runs to jump in front 3–1, capitalizing on miscues by the Camels pitching staff and defense. Anthony Hausner delivered an RBI hit during the at-bat. The rally gave the home side momentum and energized the crowd as the Dawgs briefly seized control of the game.
The Fighting Camels answered in the sixth, capitalizing on a big inning that produced four runs and flipped the score to 5–3 in favor of Campbell.
Gardner-Webb responded immediately in the bottom half. After the first two batters were retired in order, Matt Ilgenfritz ignited an offensive push with a double to left center before coming around to score on a Hausner double. Ryan Kennell and Alejandro Sanchez followed that up with RBI hits of their own, pushing the Dawgs ahead 6-5.
Campbell again surged ahead in the seventh inning with a three-run frame that put the visitors back on top 8–6. The Runnin' Bulldogs refused to fade, and in the eighth they delivered one of the biggest swings of the game when Ethan Liao launched a three-run home run to put Gardner-Webb ahead 9–8 and bring the home dugout to life.
However, the Camels had one more answer. Campbell plated three runs in the ninth inning to regain the lead at 11–9. Gardner-Webb threatened in the bottom of the frame but was unable to push across the tying runs.
Hausner led the Bulldogs offensively, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs, while also taking the loss after pitching the ninth inning. Liao's three-run homer highlighted the late comeback effort, and Ryan Kennell added a run and RBI as Gardner-Webb totaled nine runs on nine hits.
GAME TWO: Gardner-Webb 7, Bradley 6
The Runnin' Bulldogs struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Ilgenfritz provided an early spark, doubling to right center while driving in Ector for a 1-0 lead.
Bradley answered with a big second inning, plating four runs to swing the momentum. The Braves took advantage of timely hitting and pressure on the bases to move ahead 4–1. They extended the lead further in the fourth inning with two more runs, building a 6–3 advantage and forcing the Bulldogs to play from behind.
Gardner-Webb began chipping away in the third inning following solo shot of the bat of Ector. Matt Ilgenfritz delivered a key blow with a two-run homer in the sixth that cut the deficit to 6-5 and kept the Runnin' Bulldogs within striking distance. Ilgenfritz continued to lead the offense throughout the night, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBIs.
While the offense worked back into the contest, the Gardner-Webb bullpen shut the door. Josh Gentile delivered four strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out four to keep Bradley scoreless the rest of the way and give the Dawgs a chance to complete the comeback.
Gardner-Webb finally broke through in dramatic fashion in the ninth inning. With the pressure mounting and runners aboard, Jude Littrell came through with a clutch pinch-hit RBI single to tie the game. Moments later, the Runnin' Bulldogs pushed across the winning run to complete the comeback and secure the 7–6 walk-off victory.
Ector finished the night with two hits and three RBIs, while Ilgenfritz's three-hit performance powered the middle of the lineup. Gardner-Webb totaled 11 hits on the night as the Bulldogs erased a three-run deficit and capped the comeback with a thrilling finish.
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the diamond on Tuesday, May 12, traveling to the Queen City to face Charlotte in a non-conference battle. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.
