MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College baseball team dropped both games of an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader to No. 4 Tennessee Wesleyan University on Friday afternoon at Newell Field, falling by scores of 8-3 and 6-4. With the losses, the Cavaliers moved to 17-5 (9-2 AAC) on the season, while the Bulldogs improved to 18-5 (8-0 AAC).
In game one, the Bulldogs scored first during the opening inning with an unearned run via a sacrifice fly, taking a 1-0 lead over the hosts. In the third frame, the Cavs tied the game at 1-1. Dawson Bryant singled and was replaced by pinch-runner Wilmer Bolivar, who then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kaden Ethier. Cameron Nagel brought Bolivar home with a sac fly to right.
The fifth inning saw both teams add to their scores. TWU regained the lead with an RBI single, but Montreat responded. After Ethier singled and stole second, Nagel drove him in with a single to right center, leveling the score at 2-2.
The Bulldogs broke the game open in the top of the sixth, plating five runs during the frame. The rally was highlighted by a two-run homer and a two-RBI double. Montreat answered in the bottom half of the inning when Gustavo Gonzalez crossed the plate thanks to an RBI single from Daniel Restrepo, trimming the deficit to 7-3. The Bulldogs restored their five-run edge during the ensuing half inning, though, extending the lead to 8-3 with a solo home run.
Montreat was unable to score in the remaining innings. The game concluded with Tennessee Wesleyan defeating the Cavs, 8-3.
Bryton Williams pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and seven runs, two of which were earned, while striking out two batters. Williams recorded one pickoff as well and issued one walk. Nick Kantzavelos pitched the final 3 1/3 innings in relief, conceding one run on three hits and four walks. He also punched out one.
Nagel recorded three hits and drove in two runs, showcasing a strong offensive performance. Restrepo added two hits and an RBI. Zachary Long finished with two hits, including a double, while Ethier scored a run and successfully stole a base. Bryant joined his teammates with two base knocks to go along with one walk.
In game two of the twin bill, Tennessee Wesleyan jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, scoring four runs. A leadoff walk set the tone for the frame, followed by a single and another walk to load the bases. A subsequent walk forced in the first run of the inning, and a sacrifice fly added another. The Bulldogs then capped the rally with a two-RBI single, taking a 4-0 advantage.
Montreat answered in the second inning. Restrepo sparked the rally with a double to left center before advancing to third on a single by Justin Austin. Matthew Brunner then delivered a sacrifice fly, allowing Restrepo to score and trim the gap to 4-1.
In the fifth inning, the Cavaliers continued to chip away at the deficit. Bryant opened the frame with a single, and Bolivar, serving as a pinch-runner, came around to score on Nagel's single. Later in the frame, a hit by Gonzalez, coupled with a throwing error, allowed Nagel to cross the plate, cutting the Bulldogs' lead to 5-3.
The sixth inning saw TWU extend its lead with an RBI single, increasing the score to 6-3.
Montreat added another run in the seventh inning. Bryant reached base with a single, and Bolivar, again serving as a pinch-runner, came around to score on Nagel's fielder's choice. Despite the late push, Tennessee Wesleyan held on to the advantage and secured the 6-4 victory.
Ashe Ammerlaan got the start on the mound for the Cavaliers, tossing five innings while allowing five earned runs on three hits. He recorded seven strikeouts but issued five walks. Trevor Laughlin followed in relief, working one inning and surrendering one earned run on one hit, one walk and one hit batter. Ethan Caldwell closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Nagel led the Cavaliers offensively with two hits and two RBIs. Bolivar made an impact as a pinch-runner, crossing the plate twice to provide key runs. Restrepo added a double and scored once, while Bryant recorded two hits in the contest. Jason Brulport also contributed a hit after entering as a pinch-hitter late in the game.
The Cavaliers look to avoid the sweep on Saturday, March 6, as they host TWU for the final game in the series. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. at Newell Field in Montreat, N.C.
