FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The William Peace University baseball team tied the game in the ninth to force extra innings in their series opener at Methodist Friday night, but a suicide squeeze in the bottom of the 10th lifted the Monarchs to a 4-3 win in walk-off fashion.

Will Cunningham led the Pacers (8-14, 1-6 USAS) offensively with two hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Brian Willis finished with two hits and made it a 2-1 game in the third, scoring on Easton Payton's RBI double in the gap.

Cunningham tied things at two with a solo home run in the top of the fifth, and tied things up again in the ninth with an infield single. Alex Scott scored on the play after doubling to lead off the ninth.

The Monarchs (12-7, 4-3 USAS) took a 3-2 lead in the seventh, as Alex Dockery drew a two-out walk, advanced all the way to third on a wild pitch and scored on a balk. After the Pacers stranded a runner in the 10th, Dockery led off the bottom half of the inning with a triple, and then Lucas Scott laid down the game-winner.

Chase Roupp (1-1) was pinned with the loss, allowing one run on three hits and four strikeouts in 2.1 innings of relief. Trevor Pence started for the Pacers and turned in another solid outing. Pence went seven innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and four strikeouts.

Methodist starter Travis Johns tossed the first nine innings and struck out six before giving way to Madison Cook (1-0), who earned the win pitching the final frame.

The Pacers return to Fayetteville for two more games on Sunday starting at 1:00 p.m. The twin bill was originally scheduled for Saturday but was rescheduled with inclement in the forecast.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.