Box Score  

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs piled up 17 hits Friday night, cruising to a 12-2 victory over visiting Erskine College in the first game of a three-game NCAA Division II baseball series at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field. Wingate improves to 33-16, while the Flying Fleet fall to 33-16 on the season.

Wingate junior infielders Blake Prince (Winter Park, Fla.) and Michael Godinez (Cutler Bay, Fla.) each had a homer and three RBI to lead the Wingate attack. Senior outfielder Justin Somers (Wilmington, N.C.) went three-for-five with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored, while freshman infielder Shane Billings (Kernersville, N.C.) was three-for-four with two doubles and two runs scored. Sophomore designated hitter Bill Krebs (West Chester, Pa.) was two-for-three with two RBI and two runs scored for the Bulldogs.

Tanner Lollis was one-for-three with an RBI to lead the Erskine attack, while Andrew Kozak added a hit and an RBI for the Flying Fleet. Destin Nichols added two hits and a run scored.

Wingate jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, sending nine runners to the plate while collecting six hits. Somers started it with a double, then scored on a sacrifice fly from junior catcher Josh Clark (Clemmons, N.C.). An RBI single from Krebs made it 2-0, while Prince followed with a three-run homer to left center, his third of the year to make it 5-0.

Erskine got on the board in the top of the fifth, cutting the Wingate lead to four on an RBI single from Lollis.

The Bulldogs had the answer, scoring five more runs in the bottom of the frame. Clark ripped a one-out double to left center, then scored on an RBI single from Krebs. Godinez then connected on his first homer of the year, a three-run shot to left to put the 'Dogs on top by eight. After a double from Billings, Somers drove him home with an RBI single to make it 10-1.

The Flying Fleet added one more run in the seventh on an RBI single from Kozak. Wingate responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame. A Billings double was followed by an RBI double from Somers, while a double from junior outfielder Thomas Spitz (West Chester, Pa.) plated Somers to make the final margin 12-2.

Senior right-hander Olen Little (Charlotte, N.C.) picked up his 11th win of the year in his final start at Ron Christopher Stadium. The two-time first team All-SAC performer allowed two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking two to move to 11-1 on the year. Little has a 21-3 record in his Wingate career. He has never lost more than one game in a season during his illustrious career.

Austin Gambrell took the loss for Erskine, falling to 8-2. He allowed 10 runs on 13 hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out three and walking one. Wingate freshman right-hander Brandon Donahue (Charlotte, N.C.) worked 1 1/3 shutout innings, striking out three, while sophomore right-hander Tyler Brown (Suffolk, Va.) struck out two in one inning of shutout relief.

The Bulldogs and Flying Fleet are back in action Saturday, meeting for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Wingate will hold Senior Day ceremonies at approximately 12:15 p.m.