Bishops Honor Seniors, Split Final Two Games with Greensboro

Back (L-R): Will Moyer, Luis Palencia, Daniel Washburn, Joey Borgerding, Tony Sanchez, T.J. Wilkie... Front (L-R): Will Graves, Richard Harrell, Ryan Grant, Holden Taylor
Back (L-R): Will Moyer, Luis Palencia, Daniel Washburn, Joey Borgerding, Tony Sanchez, T.J. Wilkie... Front (L-R): Will Graves, Richard Harrell, Ryan Grant, Holden Taylor

Rocky Mount, N.C. - The Battling Bishop baseball team honored its 2017 senior class on Sunday prior to its doubleheader with Greensboro College. Wesleyan went on to win the opener 5-0 before dropping game two 11-1.

Sunday's first game saw senior T.J. Wilkie turn in his strongest peformance of the season, combining with freshman Michael Smith for the shutout. Wilkie (2-1) went seven complete, scattering three hits and striking out nine. Smith earned his first first career save by tossing scoreless eighth and ninth frames.

Offensively, sophomore Trey Croom drove home a pair of runs with a double in the first, and it would be more than enough for Wilkie. Croom finished 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, two RBIs, and a run scored. Sophomore Brandon Wheat also connected on a pair of doubles for the Bishops.

Greensboro's Hunter Curtis had two of the Pride's three hits, while starter Adam Murray (1-3) took the loss on the hill.

Unfortunately, the nightcap was all Greensboro as the Pride erupted for six runs in the sixth inning to open up an 8-0 lead. Braedon Jewitt was 4-for-4 to pace the GC offense, while Wesleyan's Brad Pennington ripped two of his team's four hits on the game.

Pride hurler Josh Evans moved to a perfect 3-0 on the season with the win, with NCWC's Nate Gardner dropping to 2-2.

Previously on Friday, the Pride (17-8, 5-4 USA South) earned a 4-3 victory in 11 innings in the series opener. The Bishops got a solid outing from starter Ryan Grant, but missed out on several scoring opportunities down the stretch en route to the loss.

Next up, Wesleyan (17-10, 8-4 USA South) will face Christopher Newport on Monday at Bauer Field. Game time is slated for 3:00pm and will feature a ceremonial first pitch and dedication of the new John Alden Scoreboard.