Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs erased six runs off a seven-run deficit Wednesday afternoon, but could not complete the comeback, falling 12-11 against Belmont Abbey College in NCAA Division II baseball action at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field. The Crusaders improve to 2-1-1 overall, while Wingate falls to 2-3 on the season.

Nick Beinlich had two homers and three RBI to lead the Belmont Abbey attack, while Lorenzo Wright added a homer and three RBI for the Crusaders. Colin Rosenbaum was three-for-four with an RBI, while Matt McGarry was three-for-six with an RBI and two runs scored. Kayden Krause added two hits and two RBI for Belmont Abbey.

Freshmen David Nash (Monroe, N.C.) and Reece Daniel (Asheboro, N.C.) each drove in a pair of runs for the Bulldogs. Junior outfielder Shane Billings (Kernersville, N.C.) had a homer and two runs scored, while senior Bill Krebs (West Chester, Pa.) was two-for-four with three runs scored. Freshman Matthew Grecco (Norfolk, Va.) had an RBI and two runs scored, while junior Colby Barnette (Monroe, N.C.) added an RBI and run scored.

Belmont Abbey jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but the 'Dogs answered with three in the bottom of the frame.  Billings scored the first run on Barnette's RBI single, while a sacrifice fly from Logan Pingley put the 'Dogs on top. Barnette scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1.

The Crusaders answered with three in the second to regain the lead. Rosenbaum's RBI double started the rally, while a McGarry RBI double tied the game. A Krause RBI double gave Belmont Abbey the lead.

Wingate tied it in the bottom of the frame on a solo shot from Billings, his first of the year.

Belmont Abbey scored three more runs in the third to take a 7-4 lead. Beinlich highlighted the frame with a two-run shot to right. Wright connected on a two-run homer in the fifth to stretch the lead to five.

The Crusaders took advantage of three Wingate errors to score two runs in the sixth, making it 11-4.

The Bulldogs scored three times in the seventh to get back within four. Two walks and an error loaded the bases, while Nash drew a bases-loaded walk to start the scoring. Daniel added an RBI groundout, while Patrick Watson (Tifton, Ga.) drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 11-7.

Krebs started the eighth with a double, then scored on an RBI single from Grecco. An error allowed the second run to score, while a squeeze bunt from Daniel made it 11-10.

Belmont Abbey answered with a run in the top of the ninth when Beinlich connected on his second homer of the day, a solo shot to right center to make it 12-10.

Wingate scored once in the bottom of the frame to make it 12-11. After the first two hitters were retired, two singles and a walk loaded the bases. Nash got the 'Dogs within one with an RBI single, but Kyle Halbohn struck out the final hitter of the game to preserve the victory.

Ross Garrett got the win, moving to 2-0. He allowed three runs on one hit in 4 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking eight. Halbohn got the save, allowing a run on three hits in two innings. The Crusader pitching staff issued 16 walks on Wednesday. Freshman right-hander Austin Turgeon (Athens, Ga.) took the loss, falling to 0-1. He allowed six earned runs on nine hits in three innings, striking out two.

Wingate is back in action Saturday, hosting a doubleheader against Shippensburg at 1 p.m.