Box Score ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ben Spitznagel (Cincinnati, Ohio/Wabash Valley CC) and Tripp Shelton (Winston-Salem, N.C./West Forsyth) each hit two-run home runs in a 12-7 loss to the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Wednesday evening. The home run was Spitznagel's first as a Spartan. Shelton, seeing his first action in 27 games, hit his second home run this year, and fifth of his career.
UNCG and UNC Asheville combined for 28 hits in the matchup, with 11 going for extra-bases, including a combined three home runs. With the loss, UNCG falls to 35-15. UNC Asheville improves to 16-31.
“Tonight was a very tough loss.” Head Coach Link Jarrett said, “We didn't pitch well tonight, we didn't get a start that allowed us to really get into the game. Defensively, we didn't do anything well enough to help our pitchers get out of some trouble early and get us back in the dugout. We had some bright spots offensively. With Tripp (Shelton) getting back in there and getting three hits, with a bunt single and a home run was impressive especially after not seeing live pitching for some time. They played a better game than we did today, but this is the start of a very important trip for us and this won't linger.”
Shelton led the way offensively, going 3-for-5 with a single, a bunt single and the home run. He also scored three runs to go with his two RBI. Spitznagel drove in three on the night, scoring one run.
Collin Woody (Tampa, Fla./College of Central Florida), Devin Ruiz (Pennsauken, N.J./Paul VI), Ryne Sigmon (Danville, Va./Danville CC) and Cesar Trejo (Greensboro, N.C./Ragsdale) each had two hits in the game. Woody scored a run, and Trejo added two runs scored.
Jake Kusz (Durham, N.C./Riverside) also had a hit in the game.
Bryce Hensley (Asheville, N.C./Catawba Valley CC) (5-2) started and picked up the loss. The sophomore left-hander logged 2.0 innings, allowing eight hits, six runs; three earned. Ben Kerner (Cary, N.C./Brunswick CC) threw 1.1 innings, allowing two hits, one earned run and struck out three.
Andrew Wantz (Holly Springs, N.C./Holly Springs) earned 1.2 innings in relief, allowing one hit and a run. Jake Lewis (Wendell, N.C./Corinth Holders) worked 2.0 innings, allowing two hits, and striking out two batters. Chad Sykes (Creedmoor, N.C./Voyager Academy) worked the last 1.0 inning, striking out the side.
The Bulldogs jumped out early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, UNC Ashville connected for four hits, two for extra bases and led 3-0.
UNC Asheville had another two out rally in the bottom of the second. Two singles and an error extended the inning before Kyle Carruthers connected for a three-run double to left center to double the lead to 6-0.
UNCG cut the lead in half in the top of the third frame. Trejo and Shelton started the frame with back-to-back singles. After moving into scoring position on a wild pitch, Spitznagel ground out to first to bring in Trejo. After Woody was hit by a pitch, Ruiz hit a chopper to the hole at second. The throw got away from the Bulldog first baseman, allowing Shelton to score. Woody was hustling on the play and when both the pitcher and catcher went to retrieve the wild throw, was able to score to cut the lead to 6-3.
The Bulldogs increased the lead back to six runs in their half of the third. Lucas Owens hit a two-out, three-run home run to push the lead to 9-3 UNC Asheville.
The Bulldogs added another run in the bottom of the fourth. Joe Tietjen led off with a single and stole his way to third. Alex Baratta ground out to second base but it allowed a run to score to increase the lead to 10-3.
UNC Asheville added another solo run in the bottom of the fifth. After a lead off single and a hit by pitch started the inning, a walk loaded the bases. Tietjen hit a ground ball up the middle for the fielder's choice with the out being recorded at second. A heads up play by the UNCG shortstop who threw behind the runner at third for the final out, but not before a Bulldog was able to cross home plate.
The Spartans were able to cut into the Bulldog lead in the top of the seventh inning. After Shelton reached on a bunt hit, Spitznagel drilled his first home run as a Spartan over the right field wall to cut the lead to 11-5.
UNC Asheville tacked on a solo run in the bottom of the seventh. After a two-out double from Owens, Erik Connolly hit a single to left to score Owens.
The Spartans continued to fight, scoring two more in the top of the eighth frame. After a lead off single from Trejo, Shelton hit his second home run of the season to left field to cut the lead to 12-7.
UNCG returns to action on Friday, May 13th at 5:00 p.m. as they face off with the Western Carolina Catamounts in Cullowhee, N.C.
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