Box Score

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University freshman left-hander Ethan Strickland (Dunn, N.C.) picked up a win in his collegiate debut as the Bulldogs defeated the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College 6-3 in NCAA Division II baseball action Tuesday afternoon at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field. The Bulldogs improve to 2-0 on the year, while the Crusaders fall to 3-5 overall.

Sophomore outfielder Dodson McPherson (Graham, N.C.) drove in two runs, while sophomores Casey Allison (Horse Shoe, N.C.) and Chris Vazquez (Tyrone, Ga.) had two hits each for the Bulldogs.

Senior infielder Roland Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) was two-for-four with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Belmont Abbey offense. Sophomore outfielder Caleb Shore (Landis, N.C.) and senior catcher Daniel Torrente (Miami, Fla.) had two hits each for the Crusaders.

The Bulldogs got on the board early, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning. McPherson got it started with a two-run single. Sophomore first baseman Brian Yeung (Raleigh, N.C.) followed with an RBI groundout to make it 3-0.

The Crusaders got on the board in the third when Torrente started the inning with a double, then scored on an RBI single from junior outfielder Tim Dye (Clermont, N.C.).

Wingate pushed the lead back to three in the bottom of the inning when McPherson scored on an RBI single from Vazquez to make it 4-1.

Belmont Abbey cut the lead to two in the sixth on an RBI single by junior infielder Chris Vazquez (Miami, Fla.).

The Bulldogs again had the immediate answer, plating two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Redshirt senior outfielder Nick Siega-Riz  (Clemmons, N.C.) reached on an error, then came around to score on an error to make it 5-2. Allison followed with a single, then also scored on a Crusader error to give Wingate a four-run lead.

The Crusaders got one more run in the seventh on an RBI single from Rodriguez. Wingate went to a pair of seniors in the bullpen in the final two innings, recording the last six outs without allowing a hit.

Strickland improves to 1-0 on the year. He allowed two runs on six hits in five innings of work while striking out three and walking two. Senior right-hander Lee Oxendine (Laurinburg, N.C.) picked up his first save of the year. He pitched a perfect ninth, striking out the side in order. Sophomore left-hander Nate Cudney (Charlotte, N.C.) took the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits in 5.2 innings of work while striking out five and hitting four batters.

Wingate returns to action Wednesday, hosting Lenoir-Rhyne in a non-conference game at 3 p.m. The Bulldogs travel to Lenoir-Rhyne for a three game conference series this weekend. Game one is Friday night at 7 p.m. Belmont-Abbey is also in action Wednesday, hosting Mars Hill at 2 p.m.