DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University baseball team nearly pulled off a ninth inning comeback, but ultimately fell to Castleton University 2-1 in non-conference action on Friday at Owen-Fulton Field.

Down to its last three outs, Averett (1-2) got things going with a single by senior Billy McLaughlin. Junior Ramel Reynolds was called in to pinch run for McLaughlin and advanced to second on junior Trey Wall's sacrifice bunt that put the tying run in scoring position. The Cougars' next at-bat saw senior Noah Greenblatt single to center field to put runners on the corners for Averett with one out. One batter later, sophomore Kyle Vidano laid down a bunt that nearly scored Reynolds, but the Spartans' pitcher Steven Jurkiewicz was there to cover home and tag out Reynolds. However, the Cougars pulled off a double steal moments later to put them in position to win the game. Sophomore Dallas Smithers appeared to have given Averett the walk-off win when he hit a line drive to the left side, but Nick Swim made a spectacular catch to seal the game for Castleton (1-3).

Senior starting pitcher T.J. Viracola turned in another solid performance on the mound. Viracola went the distance, scattering only three hits, while striking out 10. It was Viracola's second complete-game performance in as many starts.

Averett had plenty of chances to strike in this contest, but could not find any key hits. The Cougars sole run of the game came on a solo home run by Hunter Ashworth in the bottom of the fifth that led to the final score. 

Castleton took a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to an RBI single to right by Dan Errico. Averett nearly struck back in its half of the second. McLaughlin came up and delivered a one-out single through the left side. Greenblatt followed two batters later with a single of his own to put runners on first and third base for the Cougars with two outs. Jurkiewicz, though, clamped down and got the final out to keep the Spartans ahead.

The Spartans nearly blew the game open in its half of the fourth. Castleton loaded the bases with no outs thanks to a series of Averett errors and a walk. Viracola kept his composure and delivered a nasty curveball to induce a double play. Despite picking up the twin-killing, the Spartans scored the eventual game-winning run on the play.

McLaughlin paced Averett's offense with a perfect 4-for-4 performance. Greenblatt, Vidano and senior Mike Moore each chipped in with a pair of hits as well. The Cougars posted a season-high 13 hits.

Averett wraps up its two-game series against Castleton tomorrow at 12 p.m. on Owen-Fulton Field.