Box Score

Demorest, GA - Guilford College came in to Wednesday night's game with a .340 batting average that scored north of six runs per game en route to a 9-5 record.  The Lions defense and pitching rose to the occasion, taking a 3-1 win over the Quakers.  Sophomore Matt Lisk allowed a first inning run that was unearned, and went on cruise control the rest of the way.

The defense was spectacular behind highlight-reel plays from junior middle infielders Tim Nunez and Matt Youtsey.  The first hitter of the evening hit a hard shot in the 3.5 hole, making Nunez range to his left to come up with a great stop, but his throw to first was wild, putting a runner aboard.  After a sac bunt, walk and a wild pitch, a single got the game's first run in and only one for Guilford.

The No. 10 Lions left two on in the first frame, but made the most of the second inning with consecutive walks by senior Ethan Miers and Youtsey.  After a fielder's choice forced out Youtsey at second, senior Kyle Davis came up with two out and runners on the corners.  He responded with a triple in the right-center gap to give PC the tying and go-ahead run.  A wild pitch brought the left fielder in for the 3-1 lead.

Guilford's pitching was equally effective despite the rough second inning, as the starter worked around a leadoff double in the fifth by junior Tate Koons, as well as an inning-ending double play in the Lions' sixth.  Meanwhile, Lisk rolled through the lineup, throwing four straight innings (2nd-5th) of setting them down in order.  Despite setting the first two down in the sixth, he surrendered a base hit followed by a pair of wild pitches and a walk.  Enter Nunez.  The number five hitter slapped one back up the middle, where Nunez ranged far to his right and made a diving stop, got up on one knee and fired to first in time for the out, saving a run from crossing.

With a one out single in the seventh, the Quakers again looked to threaten.  However, the eighth hitter dribbled one up the middle, where Youtsey collected, tagged second for the force and slung it on to first to complete the double play and end the inning.  Lisk was pulled after eight strong innings of allowing no earned runs and just three hits while fanning six to just two walks.  Senior Ed Cook, fresh off receiving the Great South Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week award, came in for his fourth save of the season, and shut the door in dramatic fashion.  The closer set them down in order by striking out the side to secure the win for Piedmont.

Koons' two hits led the offense, as they put together six hits in the pitcher's duel.  Davis' triple was the eventual game-winner.  The Lions are now 11-3 after sweeping a double header, first with Albion College in a lopsided 13-2 win.  Piedmont takes on Guilford tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 pm in preparation for No. 1 Marietta College, which comes in this weekend for an exciting two-game set.