DANVILLE, Va. — Matt Moser drove in eight runs to lead Tufts University to an 18-9 victory over the Averett University baseball team on Tuesday at Owen-Fulton Field.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the third inning, Moser came up and knocked a grand slam to left field to give Tufts (3-2) a four-run advantage. 

Averett (10-14) answered back in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs to cut its deficit in half. Sophomore Dallas Smithers walked to lead off the frame and sophomore Kyle Vidano dropped down a beautiful bunt to reach on a fielder's choice. With runners on first and second base, senior Kyle Walsh drove in the Cougars' second run with a groundout to first. Senior Billy McLaughlin followed with a single through the right side that scored Vidano to make it a 5-3 contest after three.

However, the Jumbos answered back with a six-run fourth to blow the lid off the game. A bases loaded walk brought in Tufts sixth tally and a three-run double to left-center by Dan Kelly gave the Jumbos a six-run advantage. Tufts added two more runs in the frame to build an eight-run lead after three-and-a-half. The Jumbos brought home six more runners between the fifth and seventh innings to build a 15-5 lead.

Despite finding itself down by 12 entering its final at-bat, Averett brought three home in the ninth to stay competitive. Senior Nic Futrell delivered a one-out single to third and Walsh followed with a double to left to put runners on first and second. Moments later, McLaughlin delivered his second RBI of the game with a double to left that made it 18-7. Senior Drew Evans  brought home McLaughlin and Walsh with a single up the middle to lead to the final score. 

The Cougars jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage thanks to freshman Corey Wall's RBI single to right in the first. However, the Jumbos answered back with 13 runs over the third, fourth, and fifth to take the lead for good.

McLaughlin paced the Cougars offense, turning in a 3-for-5 performance, while driving in and scoring two runs. Evans and Walsh each added two hits and a pair of RBIs as well. 

Junior left-hander Cody Johnson had excellent control over his breaking pitches and fastball as he surrendered no hits, while striking out three in two innings of work. 

The Cougars swing back into action tomorrow when they travel to Lynchburg, Virginia, to take on Lynchburg College at 3 p.m. at City Stadium.