HICKORY, N.C. - Belmont Abbey poured in eight runs in the eighth and ninth innings to take down Lenoir-Rhyne 14-9 in a midweek matchup in Hickory.
This game was originally scheduled to take place in Belmont, but due to weather and field conditions it was moved to Durham Field.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Belmont Abbey 14, (RV) Lenoir-Rhyne 9
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (18-5-1) , Belmont Abbey (17-8)
Location: Hickory, N.C. I Durham Field
STORY OF GAME:
- Lenoir-Rhyne went up 4-1 in the third thanks to a 2 RBI triple from Drew Beard.
- Belmont Abbey took a 6-5 lead with four runs in the sixth, but Nathan Kidder tied it with a solo shot in the bottom of the seventh.
- The Crusaders plated eight runs in the final two innings on seven hits to take a big lead.
- The Bears scored twice and loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but a strikeout sealed the win for BAC.
STATS OF GAME:
- Conor Linkfield was 3-for-4 with three runs scored.
- Matt Procopio continued his hot streak, going 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI.
- Drew Beard led the team with three RBIs.
- Luke Steward (1-1) took the loss for the Bears.
- Michael Joyce had a strong start, striking out four and allowing just two runs in five innings of work.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- This game was originally was suppose to be at Belmont but was flop to Hickory after the rain yesterday.
- Matt Procopio and Paul Toovalian swept the SAC Player of the week awards this week.
- These teams meet in last year's Southeast Regional, with Lenoir-Rhyne winning 13-7 in their lone matchup.
UP NEXT: The Bears will welcome Coker for this weekend's SAC Series. The Cobras are 7-18 on the season and moved to 6-9 in the SAC after falling to Lincoln Memorial in last weekend series. First pitch from Durham Field is scheduled for 6:00 pm on Friday night.