NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 11, Oglethorpe 1 (F/7)
Records: Piedmont, 14-8; Oglethorpe, 14-9
DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont baseball struck early and often in an 11-1 run-rule dismantling of Oglethorpe on Thursday night at Loudermilk Field.
The Lions blitzed the Stormy Petrels ot of the gate, scoring five times in the opening frame and three more times in the second inning to build an insurmountable lead.
Cole Ellis shined on offense and defense, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored as well as a sliding grab in left center field to take away an Oglethorpe base hit.
Cody Funk had another defensive highlight in an error free game for the Lions, robbing a home run in the fourth inning in support of starting pitcher
Adam Metivier.
After the Stormy Petrels were able to manufacture a run in the top of the first, the Lions immediately answered in the bottom half. Funk led off with a double, stole third and then scored on
Ben Connelly's RBI single to get the rally started.
Jack Ryan and Ellis each brought home runs on RBI singles before
Tyler Nelson added a two-out, two RBI single to bring in runs four and five.
The scoring did not stop there, as Ryan and Ellis added back-to-back RBI singles again as part of a three-run third.
Already with an 8-1 lead in the fourth inning, Ellis delivered his third RBI single of the night to add on, while Nelson capped the scoring by bringing in two more runs on his second RBI single of the evening.
That was more than enough for Piedmont starting pitcher
Adam Metivier, who fired a complete game, going all 7.0 innings and allowing just five hits and a single run, finishing with six straight scoreless frames. Although he struck out just one batter, he only walked two and was supported by excellent Piedmont defense throughout the evening.
Up next, the Lions will be right back in action for their first CCS home series of the season, hosting Asbury tomorrow at 6 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
- The Lions left no doubt with eight runs over the first two frames
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Ellis went 3-for-4 with three RBI singles and two runs scored.
- Freshman first basemen
Jack Ryan also went 3-for-4, scoring three runs and driving in two.
- Catcher
Tyler Nelson led the Lions with four RBI, coming on two separate two RBI singles.
- Funk set the tone offensively and defensively, leading off the game with a double, stolen base and run scored while also robbing a home run in the fourth.
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on
Twitter: @PiedmontLions,
Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and
Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or
click here.
