DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University baseball team fell 11-6 in the home and series finale to Methodist University on Sunday as part of Senior Day.

Through three and a half innings of play, the Monarchs (25-7, 14-3 USA South) built a 10-0 lead on 12 hits. Averett (10-27, 4-14 USA South) did not waiver, though, as they mounted a comeback starting with a pair of runs in their half of the fourth. Back-to-back singles from junior Kyle Vidano and senior Bradley Tickle led off the inning for the Cougars. Senior Dallas Smithers then brought home Vidano on a sacrifice fly to get Averett on the board. Junior Matt Tuggle would eventually score Tickle on his two out RBI-single to right field.

Averett carried this offensive momentum into their next at bat as they plated three runs in the fifth to cut their deficit to 10-5. The Cougars worked the bases loaded with no outs and Smithers came up and hit a grounder to second. However, the Methodist second baseman secured the out at second, but then threw the ball away trying to turn the double play which allowed two Averett runners to score. Sophomore Chase McKinney laced a two out RBI-single to left that scored Smithers and brought Averett to within five.

In the seventh, the Cougars added a run on Smithers RBI-single through the right side to make it 10-6. Then, junior Neil Hutchens came up and put a great bunt down that allowed him to reach safely at first and bring the tying run to the plate with no outs. Unfortunately, McKinney's hard line drive was right at the Monarch third baseman as he was able to also turn the double play beating the runner back to third. A groundout ended the inning and the scoring threat for Averett.

Methodist scored one more in the ninth and held the Cougars scoreless in the last two innings for the 11-6 victory.

Tickle finished 3-for-4 on the day with a run scored. Smithers was 1-for-4 with three RBIs and had a run of his own.

Freshman Dillon Touchard pitched six innings of relief, giving up two runs while striking out four Monarch batters. Senior Patrick Long made his final appearance of his career at home in the ninth inning. The Durham, North Carolina, native inherited a bases loaded one out situation and retired the first two batters he faced on pop ups to keep Averett within striking distance.

The Cougars end the 2018 season on Monday as they travel to take on Roanoke College. Game time is set for 7 p.m.