NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont, 12; Wash U, 8
Records: Piedmont, 33-13; Wash U 30-13
DANVILLE, Ky. — In an offensive bout, the Lions outlasted the Wash U Bears to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
The Lions played as the home team in the contest after defeating the Bears yesterday.
Wash U jumped on starter Drew O'Neill early, bringing home a pair of runs in the first. But the freshman, O'Neill, was able to escape the inning, allowing just the two, giving the Lions offense a chance in the bottom half.
The Lions got their scoring started after Cody Funk reached base to lead off and came around to score on a wild pitch. Still threatening, Piedmont put runners on for Davin Miller, who promptly brought them home with a two-RBI single, giving the Lions a 3-2 lead going into the second.
The Bears did not relent as they got on the board once again, snatching the lead away with two more runs in the inning.
In the bottom half, Piedmont separated itself with a four-run inning, sparked by a rally from the top of the Lions lineup in Funk, Ben Connelly and Cole Ellis, with Ellis singling home Funk in the inning.
After a shaky first two frames, O'Neill settled in well and shut down his opponents for the next three innings while the Lions added three more runs to their lead.
In the sixth, O'Neill ran into danger and allowed three runs to cross. Lucas Tritt got the call out of the bullpen and shut down the inning, sending the Lions to the bottom of the sixth with a 10-7 lead.
After Wash U added a run in the top of the seventh, the Piedmont lineup woke up again in the bottom of the eighth to provide a little more insurance with a pair of RBI hits from John Dickerson and Connelly.
With insurance added on, Piedmont entered the ninth up by four and called on closer Luke Manry to finish the job. With two on and two away, Manry coaxed a ground ball to Dickerson who stepped on second, ending the game and sending the Lions to the Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
The season continues for Piedmont as it rides one of DIII's top offenses deeper into the tournament.
Next, the Lions will play Denison in the Super Regional.
Turning Point:
- Lucas Tritt's shutdown sixth that stifled the Bear rally and allowed Piedmont to take back control.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Four separate Lions recorded two RBI in the contest: Cruz Mullinix, Connelly, Miller, and Dickerson.
- Despite a rough start to his outing, O'Neill settled in and gave the Lions important innings while collecting three strikeouts.
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.