CARY, NC – After suffering two losses to Greensboro on opening day, The William Peace baseball team dropped the final game of the series to the Pride on Sunday, 4-1.
"Other than one bad inning in our opening game, we competed all weekend. We had our chances to win game two yesterday, but couldn't get the clutch hit we need," said head coach Chris Duty. "Overall, I was pleased with the pitching, but our bats were cold all weekend. We need to find a way to string hits together, so we can get six to seven runs across the plate each game."
Greensboro (3-0, 3-0 USAS) scored a run in each of their first two at bats, but WPU made it a 2-1 game in the bottom of the third, as JT Howington singled up the middle with two outs and the bases loaded to plate Josh Clark. Clark started the two-out rally with a single. Jacob singled and Brian Willis was plunked to load them up.
WPU (0-3, 0-3 USAS) collected 10 hits but stranded nine runners, and their lead-off batter failed to reach base until Ennis doubled to start the eighth. Willis drew a walk to put runners on first and second with no one out, but a 6-4-3 double play put an end to the rally. Tyler Klinedinst and Matt Proctor both singled to start off the ninth, but another double play put an end to any kind of comeback.
Coleman Greene (0-1) got the start for WPU, allowing three earned on nine hits, two walks and strikeout in seven innings of work. Kyle Vincent threw the final two innings for the Pacers, giving up a run on two hits and pair of walks.
Offensively, Ennis led the Pacers with a 4-for-4 day, while six others notched one hit apiece.
Jeff Waring (1-0) picked up the win, giving up a run on six hits and five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Kyle Willard went 3-for-5 with three runs scored to lead Greensboro at the plate. Jordan Powell also had a 3-for-5 day to go along with a RBI.
The Pacers will return to action this Wednesday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, hosting Guilford College for a 7:00 p.m. first pitch.
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