Asheville Sees a High-Scoring Series Opener between Gardner-Webb and UNC Asheville
In a thrilling showdown on Friday evening, the Gardner-Webb University baseball team clashed with the University of North Carolina Asheville in a high-scoring series opener. The game ended with UNC Asheville emerging victorious with a final score of 10-9 in a nail-biting finish.
A Close Game with an Explosive Start
The action kicked off with UNC Asheville taking an early lead, putting up a pair of runs in the first inning. However, Gardner-Webb quickly responded by scoring three runs in the top of the second inning. Ethan Liao led the charge with a key single that brought Nick Capozzi home, while Lawson Knight capitalized on a throwing error to score, and Alec Burns added another run with a timely single.
Both teams continued to trade blows throughout the game, with the score seesawing back and forth. Max Smyley’s single in the third inning extended Gardner-Webb’s lead, but UNC Asheville fought back, narrowing the gap to 4-3 with their own run. The game continued to escalate in the fifth inning, with Liao and Gavin Johnson’s singles helping Gardner-Webb pull ahead 6-3.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
UNC Asheville refused to back down, launching a three-run rally in the fifth inning to tie the game at six apiece. Not to be outdone, Gardner-Webb once again found their offensive rhythm in the sixth inning. Capozzi, Liao, and Smyley all contributed key singles, allowing Gardner-Webb to reclaim the lead with a score of 9-6.
However, UNC Asheville staged a comeback of their own, chipping away at the deficit with two runs in the sixth inning to make it 9-8. The tension mounted as UNC Asheville managed to tie the game at nine in the eighth inning, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
A Walk-Off Victory
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score deadlocked at 9-9, UNC Asheville capitalized on a bases-loaded opportunity to secure a walk-off victory over Gardner-Webb. The final score of 10-9 reflected the intensity and competitiveness of the game, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the last moment.
Jacob Williams claimed the win for UNC Asheville, while JT Inskeep was handed the loss for Gardner-Webb. The stage is now set for an eagerly anticipated rematch between the two teams on Saturday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., as Gardner-Webb looks to bounce back and even the series.
Both teams showcased their offensive firepower and tenacity in a game that kept fans guessing until the final pitch. With the series still up for grabs, baseball enthusiasts can expect more thrills and excitement in the upcoming games between these two competitive teams.
This showdown between Gardner-Webb and UNC Asheville serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and electrifying nature of college baseball, where every inning and every play can make a significant difference in the outcome of the game.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this captivating series as the teams continue to battle it out on the diamond in pursuit of victory and bragging rights.