ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The Averett University baseball team dropped its USA South series finale with N.C. Wesleyan College by the final of 4-1 on Sunday.
 
N.C. Wesleyan (21-9, 12-5 USA South) plated a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead, adding another run in the bottom of the third inning to take a 2-0 advantage over the Cougars. 
 
Averett (6-27, 3-15 USA South) cut into the Battling Bishops lead in the top half of the sixth inning when junior Chase McKinney doubled to left field scoring junior Sawyer Smith on the plate. 
 
However, N.C. Wesleyan benefitted from a run in the bottom of the seventh and again in the bottom of the eight to extend it's lead to 4-1.
 
Sophomore Ryan Traylor turned in another quality start for the Cougars as the right-hander pitched seven innings, allowing three runs while striking out a season-high nine batters. 
 
McKinney led the charge offensively finishing 2-4 from the plate and driving in the Cougars lone score. Junior Cody Jones, sophomore Martin Nicolay and senior Matt Tuggle added Averett's remaining hits,
 
The Cougars will take a brief break from action before returning to plate this coming Saturday for a doubleheader against Pfeiffer University on the road beginning at 1 p.m.