NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont, 5; Wash U 4
Records: Piedmont, 32-13; Wash U 29-12
Post-Game Press Conference:
DANVILLE, Ky. - An early three-run rally leads to a Lions victory over No. 1-seeded Wash U on Saturday afternoon.
Playing as the visiting team for the first time in the tournament, the Lions took advantage with a rally in the first. The top of the Piedmont order consisting of Cody Funk, Ben Connelly and Cole Ellis continued to dominate, reaching on a walk, hit by pitch, and a bunt single, respectively. With the bases loaded, the Lions brought home the game's first run on a fielder's choice, setting up Cruz Mullinix for an RBI bunt single, bringing home Connelly. Davin Miller stood in next and brought home the third run of the inning.
Layne Ayers took to the mound in the bottom of the first with a 3-0 lead, and the sophomore defended it well, shutting down the Bears' lineup for five innings. Ayers, while allowing six baserunners through five, pitched around traffic and kept the Lions ahead.
In the sixth, Piedmont added on to its lead with a John Dickerson RBI. The Bears got to Ayers in the bottom of the sixth, scoring a pair of runs and cutting the Lions' lead in half.
Harris Bryson relieved Ayers in the seventh and pitched a shutout inning.
The Piedmont lineup added a crucial insurance run in the top of the eighth inning with a Ben Bodoh RBI single, scoring Miller and giving the Lions a 5-2 lead.
With Bryson still on the mound for the Lions, the Bears' lineup answered back with a pair of runs in the eighth and threatened for more. Averett Thompson entered the inning and snuffed out the rally for the Bears, sending the Lions to the ninth with a one-run lead.
Thompson stayed on in the bottom of the ninth, and after a pair of strikeouts, induced a weak ground ball to Mullnix to end the game and send the Lions to Sunday with a chance to clinch a title.
Piedmont's early offense continued to shine in the contest, building a strong lead for Ayers to lean on.
Next, the Lions play the winner of the evening contest in tomorrow's possible clinching game at 11:00 a.m.
Turning Point:
- Thompson's performance in both the eighth and ninth innings to stifle a surging Wash U lineup.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Miller went 3-3 while scoring a pair of runs.
- Thompson collected the save and three strikeouts through an inning and a third of work.
Turning Point:
- Funk's eighth-inning double that gave the Lions the lead.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Misirly twirled once again for the Lions, setting the team up for a strong second day in Kentucky.
- John Dickerson logged two RBIs on the day, giving a boost to the Lions' game.
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.
