Cole Stanford went a combined four-for-six batting with five runs scored and two RBI.
photo courtesy of Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics

Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball Falls at Top Ranked North Greenville

Nationally ranked number one North Greenville used a big eighth inning to put away Lenoir-Rhyne 5-1, and snap the Bears’ winning streak at four.

In a mid-week matchup that saw both teams each use six pitchers, the Crusaders’ bullpen had a slightly more complete performance in addition to the starter Caleb Freeman, who got the winning decision.

In what is arguably the most difficult challenge of the season for the Bears, the bats were able to keep up with North Greenville with only two fewer hits, but the damage done with the Crusaders’ bats in crucial situations was just more potent.

Despite getting the victory, North Greenville had three throwing errors which was higher than Lenoir-Rhyne with one.

The bottom of the Bears’ order had some tough at-bats in good situations with Wade Cuda and Zach Evans stranding four and three runners each in the contest, respectively.

Even with the two bullpens dealing, there were not a great deal of strikeouts with each pitching department only recording six punchouts.

While both sides each threw six strikeouts, both teams also ended by walking six opposing batters as well; Tyler McPeak was walked three times

Zach Evans hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning, which was the only RBI on the day for the Bears.

With the victory, North Greenville has now won three straight games against Lenoir-Rhyne dating back to the 2022 NCAA Southeast Regional; the longest losing streak in all-time meetings.

Lenoir-Rhyne continues to lead the all-time series with 16 wins compared to the Crusaders’ 12.

The one run scored in today’s contest was the lowest amount of runs the Bears scored in a game against the Crusaders since their meeting on Feb. 11, 2012 in Hickory, N.C.

Eli Willen got his first start of the season today as the designated hitter, batting in the sixth spot of the order.

Lenoir-Rhyne and North Greenville will face off again later this season on April 4, 2023, at Hickory, N.C. in Durham Field.

The Bears drop to 10-4 overall on the season, L-R will host Cedarville this weekend.