DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University baseball shut out Guilford College for a 3-0 non-conference victory on Thursday afternoon at Owen-Fulton Field.

Averett (2-9) got its run support early, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning. After junior Bradley Tickle drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, sophomore Tyler Fetherolf laced an RBI double down the left field line to put the Cougars on the board.

The Cougars added two more insurance runs the following inning thanks to a pair of Guilford errors. Freshman Chase McKinney knocked a one-out double, and a throwing error put senior Hunter Ashworth aboard for sophomore A.J. Hart. Hart chopped a ball back to the pitcher on the third base side, but an off-balanced throw to the plate allowed McKinney and Ashworth to score.

Guilford (8-5) had several scoring opportunities throughout the game, including loading the bases with one out in the fourth inning and again loading the bases in the sixth. Each time, the Cougars escaped unscathed thanks to solid pitching and defense.

Sophomore right-hander Dillon Roberts (1-0) earned the win, going five innings while striking out two and allowing just one hit and two walks. Sophomore Matt Tuggle pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to earn his first save of the season. Freshman Alex Ansted, senior James Culbreth and freshman Sawyer Smith all bridged the gap with scoreless relief as Guilford mustered just three hits all game.

McKinney had two of Averett's five hits with one run scored.

With Thursday's win, the Cougars avenged a 4-0 loss on Feb. 19 at Guilford while ending a nine-game losing skid.

Averett travels to non-conference foe Hampden-Sydney College for a noon doubleheader on Saturday.