NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – In a doubleheader against No. 22 Christopher Newport, the Lions were able to earn a split with a 5-3 win in game one and a 6-3 loss in game two.
Game one: Piedmont 5, No. 22 CNU 3
The Lions were once again in the pitcher’s duel early in a scoreless game until the fifth inning. Piedmont’s Zeke Swartz allowed just two hits until the sixth inning as he tossed seven complete Friday.
Swartz was dealing early after a lead-off single, striking out the next three in the first. Piedmont’s offense was slow to start on Friday with just one hit until the fifth inning when the game broke open.
Kolton Hicks was walked to begin the inning and Schuylar Willis was hit by a pitch to put two on with none away. Owen Helgesenused a sac bunt to move them into scoring position and Nathan Mix put the Lions on the board with an RBI single.
Cole Ellis followed suit with an RBI single and Trace Cate hit a sac fly to drive in the final run of the inning as Piedmont scored three runs on three hits and left two aboard.
The Captains tacked on two in the sixth to make it a one run game, 3-2, but Piedmont was quick to answer with two in the seventh to pull ahead 5-2.
Justin Manus closed out the eighth after Jackson Randolph left two aboard, as Manus recorded a strikeout and a double play.
Christopher Newport threatened in the ninth inning as Braden Simms had to settle in after allowing a run and having runners on the corners with one out. He got the job done with a strikeout to end the game and earn his sixth save of the season.
Game two: No. 22 CNU 6, Piedmont 3
The Lions were again in a quiet one early with no one on the board until the fourth inning. It was the Captains who struck first in game two with two runs on three hits and an error in the fourth inning.
Piedmont was able to answer back in the fifth to tie the game, but it was short-lived as CNU tacked on a run in the home half of the fifth to lead 3-2.
It was in the sixth that the Captains left no doubt scoring three runs on a home run off Nathan Boyce, forcing another bullpen change after Boyce entered in the sixth to relieve starter Peyton Irvin.
Tyler Roon closed out the final 2.2 innings for the Lions allowing just one hit.
Piedmont rallied with a run in the seventh as Kyle Carlson earned a walk with the bases loaded, but the Lions were unable to capitalize additionally in the 6-3 loss.
Up next, Piedmont will conclude the series against CNU on Sunday with the time to be announced pending weather.
TURNING POINT:
–Two runs in the seventh inning of game one proved to be the difference as the Lions scored two on two hits and two errors in the frame.
–A three-run sixth inning was enough to separate the Captains in game two and lift them to a 6-3 victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
—Cole Ellis was back in the lineup in game one and an impressive 3-for-5 at the top of the order with an RBI and a run scored.
—Zeke Swartz earned the win going 7.0 innings in game one with two runs scored and eight strikeouts.
—Kyle Carlson was 1-for-3 with a walk in game two and an RBI in the seventh inning as Piedmont attempted a late rally.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
–The Lions are now 7-8 all time against the Captains.
