Box Score

Hickory, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs scored four runs in the top of the ninth, highlighted by a two-out three-run double from sophomore shortstop Chris Vazquez (Tyrone, Ga.), to pull off a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne University in South Atlantic Conference baseball action Friday night. The Bulldogs improve to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the SAC. LRU falls to 0-5 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Vazquez was two-for-four with a double and four RBI to lead the Wingate offense on the night. The Bulldogs were held scoreless through the first seven innings, but stayed close thanks to a strong outing from senior right-hander Tyler Almond (Oakboro, N.C.). He allowed three runs on only two hits in seven innings while striking out 10.

Junior outfielder Stephen Andrews (Winston-Salem, N.C.) had a huge night to lead Lenoir-Rhyne’s offense. He was two-for-four with two homers and three RBI on the night.

The Bears got on the board in the fourth, when their first hit of the night off the bat of Andrews cleared the wall in right center field for a two-run homer. LRU took a 3-0 lead in the seventh on a solo shot from Andrews.

The Bulldogs got on the board in the eighth, when sophomore outfielder Dodson McPherson (Graham, N.C.) walked to lead off the inning, then scored on an RBI single from Vazquez to make it 3-1.

Lenoir-Rhyne had a chance to add to its lead in the bottom of the eighth, getting runners on second and third with one out. Wingate senior right-hander Lee Oxendine (Laurinburg, N.C.) came in and got out of the jam, inducing a groundout, then ending the threat with a strikeout.

After the leadoff man was retired in the top of the ninth, sophomore outfielder Casey Allison (Horse Shoe, N.C.) was hit by a pitch. Junior designated hitter Tres Ramirez (Ocala, Fla.) struck out, but was able to reach first base on the wild pitch. McPherson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Sophomore infielder Jacob Karr (Richmond, Va.) drew a walk to cut LRU’s lead to 3-2. Vazquez followed with a bases-clearing double to left center to give Wingate its first lead of 5-3.

The Bears would not go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. A two-out RBI double from junior infielder Anthony Sully (Charlotte, N.C.) made it 5-4. After walking the next batter, Oxendine induced a groundout to cap the win for the Bulldogs.

Oxendine picks up the win for Wingate. He went 1.2 innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit while striking out two, improving to 1-0 on the year. Senior right-hander Chris Henderson (Lincolnton, N.C.) takes the loss for Lenoir-Rhyne. He went 8.2 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on three hits while striking out 14 and walking three.

The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday, with game one starting at 1 p.m.