DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University baseball team lost a non-conference matchup to William Peace University 6-0 on Tuesday at Owen-Fulton Field.

Averett (0-5) looked strong in the top of the first inning as sophomore starter David Asbill struck out two batters in the opening frame and the Cougars were able to put two runners on in the bottom half of the inning, but were unable to push anything across.

William Peace (6-1) benefited from three walks to open the top of the second inning as the Pacers scored their first run following a balk and added two more off a two RBI single before taking a 4-0 lead.

Junior Avery Spicer who entered out of the bullpen for Averett in the top of the second inning with one out, dazzled in relief for the Cougars pitching 6.2 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three batters in his longest appearance in the blue and gold.

Spicer was lifted in the top of the ninth for senior Cole Spain who struck out three of the four batters he faced.

The Cougars finished the afternoon out hitting the Pacers 8-3 and managed to put runners on second and third or first and second in multiple innings, but were unable to push anything across the plate.

Strong defense from William Peace proved to be the different in Tuesday's non-conference clash as Averett's best scoring opportunity came in the sixth when sophomore Kyle Wilson and senior Tanner Bradshaw both singled to open the inning.

However, Pacer's right fielder Gavin Taylor robbed senior Ryan Traylor of extra bases and potentially two RBI's when he made a running, full-extension diving grab, deep down the right field line. William Peace benefited from another highlight reel play later in the inning when shortstop Hunter Ward robbed junior Brandon Hatcher of a two RBI single up the middle that he managed to corral, spin around on the second base side of the bag and beat a charging Hatcher by a matter of inches at first to end the inning.

Freshman Ryan Scheiderer and Bradshaw lead the Cougars offensively with two hits apiece, while junior Nate Tuck, Wilson, Traylor and freshman Logan Albertson all added hits for the Cougars.

Averett left 11 runners on base in Tuesday's matchup, while only striking out four times to the Pacers nine on the afternoon.

The Cougars return back to the diamond on Wednesday when they complete a home-and-home with William Peace beginning at 6 p.m. from Cary, North Carolina.