Rocky Mount, N.C. - North Carolina Wesleyan's baseball team saw its 2016 season come to an end on Saturday afternoon at Bauer Field, splitting a doubleheader with Ferrum College. Prior to the opener, the Bishops honored their 12 seniors, as well as NCWC alum Jim Pittman.
Saturday's action marked the end of the careers of Justin DiSanto, Ciro Norzagaray, Dillon Moore, Marcus Anderson, Robert Mondoux, James Kornegay, James Lovett, Andrew Franklin, Kaelan Jacobs, Chris Rogerson, Jordan Rogers, and Mike Toreno. Head Coach Charlie Long started and played his seniors both games, with the Bishops taking the opener by a 2-1 score before suffering a 10-0 defeat in the nightcap.
The day was highlighted by game one's 2-1 victory. Toreno led off the sixth inning with his first collegiate hit, and after a DiSanto sac-bunt, Norzagaray and Lovett were hit by pitches in back-to-back at-bats to load the bases. A key Panther throwing error on Jacobs' ensuing infield single plated two runs, including Norzagaray with the gamewinner.
Moore received a no-decision after five solid innings of work, allowing just one unearned run on five hits with five strikeouts. Franklin (3-0) picked up the win in relief, tossing the final two scoreless innings and tallying three Ks.
Prior to the opener, the Bishops took time to honor Bishop alum Jim Pittman, a 1992 graduate of the College and a member of the 1989 National Championship Team. Pittman (pictured left with hat) was a hero to that '89 team after falling ill with an infection that nearly took his life. Although unable to play in the Series, he was honored to be named that team's Most Valuable Player. Pittman has since received a kidney transplant from his mother -- Wesleyan's own Sheila Martin -- and gone on to live a vibrant life as a husband, father, and businessman.
In the fall semester, through the generosity of his mother and family, plans were made to install the manual scoreboard now present in the left field bullpen. The "throwback" scoreboard is a replica of the one used during the days of legendary coach Moe Bauer. The sponsorship sign on the fencing in front of the scoreboard recognizes the Donate Life organization in honor of Jim, who is known for his dedication to the Annual Pitt Golf Charity Tournament that benefits Carolina Donor Services.
Pittman was allowed to throw out a ceremonial first pitch in appreciation for his family's generous donation of the new scoreboard, which has been a wonderful addition to Bauer Field's upgraded clubhouse area.
The 2016 season ends with the Bishops posting a 25-19 overall record and a runner-up finish in the USA South.