MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College baseball team continued its winning ways on Tuesday afternoon, claiming its 17th consecutive victory with a 12-6 nonconference triumph over the Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Wildcats. Following the result at Newell Field, the Cavaliers improved to 17-3 on the year, while JWU Charlotte fell to 1-10 overall.
A strong offensive performance paved the way for the hosts on Tuesday. In the first inning, the Cavs got on the board when
Gustavo Gonzalez doubled to left center, driving in
Daniel Restrepo.
Matthew Brunner followed with an RBI single, bringing home
Zachary Long and putting the home side in front early, 2-0.
The second frame saw Montreat extend its lead significantly despite the Wildcats tying the contest in the top half of the inning. Johnson & Wales utilized a solo shot and an RBI single to level the score at 2-2, but the two teams weren't deadlocked for long. During the ensuing half inning, Long's single to right field brought in a pair, while Gonzalez plated another with an RBI base knock.
Dawson Bryant capped the scoring with a 2-RBI double down the right field line, pushing the Cavaliers ahead 7-2 after two frames.
In the third inning,
Kaden Ethier scored on a single to right by Restrepo, increasing the Montreat advantage to 8-2. The Cavs then added another run in the fifth when Restrepo homered to straightaway center field, extending the score to 9-2.
JWU Charlotte crushed its second homer of the contest during the top of the eighth, but the visitors couldn't keep the hosts quiet.
Jack Weisman and Brunner recorded back-to-back RBI base hits in the bottom of the eighth, while Either lofted a sacrifice fly to left field. The additional insurance ballooned Montreat's edge to 12-3 with just an inning to play.
Despite the Wildcats scoring three runs in the ninth, the Cavaliers had no trouble maintaining their lead. Ultimately, Montreat captured a 12-6 nonconference triumph at Newell Field.
Ten pitchers combined for nine innings of work on the hosts' side.
Hayden Brooks got the start and tossed two frames while allowing four hits and two runs, only one of which was earned. The freshman also struck out a pair of Wildcats.
Jayden Hughes got credited for the win as one of the Cavs' most effective relievers. The right-hander faced just four batters in the third frame and didn't surrender a hit.
Ja'Lan Chambers,
Tyson Clingan,
Christopher Suarez and
Nick Pope also threw a full inning on the bump.
Restrepo led Montreat with a standout performance, recording three runs, three hits and two RBIs, including a homer. Long contributed two runs and two RBIs with one hit and a walk. Brunner added to the offense with three base knocks and two RBIs while also stealing a bag. Meanwhile, Gonzalez collected two hits, driving in two runs and scoring once, while also swiping a base.
Looking ahead, the Montreat College baseball team returns to Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on Friday with the start of a three-game set against No. 5 Tennessee Wesleyan University. First pitch of the series is set for 2 p.m. at Newell Field in Montreat, N.C.
