College Baseball Final: Methodist 14, Guilford 5

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Methodist University’s Ray Lanners drove in a game-high six runs as Guilford College fell in a Wednesday afternoon contest over Methodist, 14-5.

Methodist (18-7) jumped out to an 8-1 lead after two innings before the Quakers (6-16) cut into the deficit in the third inning with a two-run rally. The Monarchs with runs in three straight innings from the fourth to the sixth frame to create distance. Methodist produced 28 base runners in the contest compared to the Quakers’ 14.

Josh Shepherd led Quaker bats, finishing 4-for-5 in the lead-off position in the lineup. Chuck Noble finish 2-for-5 with runs driven in during the first inning and third frame where Noble drove in two runs with a single. Jacob Roberts drove in the first run of the Quakers’ two-run rally in the top of the ninth inning, finishing the contest 2-for-4.

Lanners finished the game 3-for-5 with a double and a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning to cap a six-run rally. Steven Kirby drove in three runs while finished 3-for-3 with two RBI.

Jake Watkins (0-1) took the loss in a one and one-third inning start. Devin Ponton produced the best effort on the mound for the Quakers, only giving up two hits and walking two while striking out one batter in one and two-thirds innings. Daniel Weygandt threw the longest outing, throwing the final three and one-third innings.

The Monarch pitching staff spread out their efforts over six different pitchers for a staff day. Daniel Royer (two innings) and Michael Inman (one inning) each gave up no runs or hits with Inman striking out two batters. Ross Leggett struck out two and gave up one un-earned run on one hit in two innings.

The Quakers return to action Saturday, hosting Bridgewater College for a noon Old Dominion Athletic Conference doubleheader at McBane Field.

SCORE BY INNINGS                      R  H E
Guilford College   1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2  5 10 2
Methodist          2 6 0 1 3 2 0 0 X 14 22 0