CARY, NC – The William Peace University baseball team racked up a program record 21 hits on their way to an 11-9 win in their first of two games against Averett Saturday afternoon. The Cougars bounced back to win game two, 10-2.
 
Game One: William Peace 11, Averett 9
Averett took a 4-3 lead in the top of the eighth, but the Pacers hung eight runs on the Cougars in the bottom half of the inning, which included a stretch of eight consecutive WPU hits.
 
Derek Beale led the way, going 4-for-6 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. Alex Scott added three hits, scored a run and drove in two with a double in the first. Tyler Klinedinst also went 3-for-4 and scored a run. Cullen Cicotte, Mikey Anerton and Nick Cole all finished with two hits apiece along with an RBI and at least one run scored.
 
Trevor Pence (2-4) earned the win for the Pacers, giving up nine runs on 13 hits, two walks and eight strikeouts in eight-and-a-third. Mike Sgroi closed things out for his first save of the year after the Cougars did most of their damage with five runs in their final at bat.
 
T.J. Viracola started for Averett but didn't factor in the decision. Vircaola allowed three runs on 12 hits, two walks and four strikeouts in seven innings of work before giving way to Brandon Goff, who was pinned with the loss.  Goff (0-1) retired a batter, gave up two runs and the lead.
 
Leadoff man Dallas Smithers paced the Cougars with three hits and three runs scored. Hunter Ashworth went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a runs scored. Nic Futrell notched two hits, scored twice and drove in two runs. 

Game Two: Averett 10, William Peace 2
Averett carried the momentum from a five-run ninth into game two, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead. WPU (10-20, 2-12 USAS) made it 5-2 in the bottom of the third, as Beale knocked in Klinedinst and Trey Hogan with a bases loaded single up the middle, but it was as close as the Pacers would get.
 
Chase Roupp (1-2) was tacked with the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, a walk and two strikeouts in three innings.
 
Joshua Hatcher (4-1) picked up the win, giving up two runs on six hits, three walks and six strikeouts in seven innings of work. Cody Johnson held the Pacers scoreless in the final two frames.
 
Futrell led the Cougars (16-16, 6-8 USAS), going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and four runs scored. Billy McLaughlin also collected three hits, scored three runs and drove in another.

The WPU baseball team is back at the USA Baseball National Training Complex for one more against the Cougars tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.
 
It's also the Pacers' final home game of the season. They will recognize their senior class of four, which includes Wes Dumford, Zach Geller, Christian Neal and Mike Sgroi.
 
Video Coverage and Live Stats will be available for the contest. 
 
For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.