MISENHEIMER, N.C. — The Averett University baseball team dropped its USA South Conference series finale against Pfeiffer University by the final of 4-3 Monday evening on the road.
Averett (6-30, 3-18 USA South) trailed by one run heading into the top of the ninth inning when junior
Chase McKinney laced a two out single up the middle and sophomore
Ryan Traylor walked to put runners on first and second for the Cougars with two outs. However, Pfeiffer recorded a strikeout to hang on to the 4-3 decision.
Pfeiffer (26-6, 16-5 USA South) scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 3-0 lead midway through Monday's conference battle.
The Cougars cut into the Falcons lead in the top of sixth inning when Traylor singled through the right side scoring junior
Zack DeCarlo who reached to open the inning via walk and later stole second and third base to advance into scoring position.
The Falcons though benefited from the eventual game-winning home run in the bottom half of the inning to push their lead to 4-1 over Averett.
Trailing 4-1 heading into the top of the eighth inning, the Cougars loaded the bases, giving way for senior
A.J. Hart to earn an RBI walk after falling behind in the count 1-2. Senior
Corey Wall followed Hart's walk with an RBI walk of his own pulling Averett within 4-3 of Pfeiffer, but the Falcons ended the inning the following batter, leaving the bases loaded.
Traylor got the start for Averett on the mound pitching 7.1 quality innings, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out four batters. Traylor was lifted for sophomore
Tyler Butler in the bottom half of the eighth inning with a run on first, but Butler recorded a strikeout and benefited by a batters interference to end the inning.
Traylor and McKinney led the charge offensively for Averett, each collecting two hits for the game while sophomore
Martin Nicolay and freshman
Nate Tuck tallied the Cougars remaining hits.
The Cougars close out the 2019 season this coming Friday and Saturday when they host Berea College on Friday for a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.
