Greensboro College Pride Baseball Defeats Guilford In Walk-off Fashion

Pride Baseball Defeats Guilford In Walk-off Fashion
Courtesy of Wes Gullett Greensboro College Sports Information Director

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College baseball team defeated Guilford College in walk-off fashion Friday to open a three-game series, 4-3.

Neither team was able to push a run across through the first five innings before Greensboro took a one-run lead after plating the game’s first run in the sixth inning.

Kristopher Taveras led off the inning with a double down the left field line before coming in to score on a Dillon Cox single to right field.

Guilford tied the game with a run of their own in the top of the seventh inning before the Pride was able to regain the lead in the bottom half.

Michael Faul led off the inning with an infield single before Jimmy Short came in to pinch-run. Short then stole second base to get into scoring position before coming in to score on a Taveras single.

However, Guilford was able to rally back to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom half of the ninth inning before Greensboro plated two runs to secure the one-run victory in walk-off fashion.

Brady Dignan led off the inning with a four-pitch walk before Zach Neumeister moved him up 90-feet with a sacrifice bunt. Dignan then moved up to third base after a wild pitch that walked Short to give the Pride runners on first and third base with one out.

Taveras came up big once again as he placed a single into centerfield to tie the game and advanced to second base after Guilford tried to get Short out at third base.

With runners on first and second, Guilford intentionally walked Blake Glass to load the bases before Adam Murray pushed the game-winning run across after being hit by a pitch.

“Tonight was a great game both ways by both teams,” Head Coach Frank Maldonado said. “We had a solid pitching performance by our staff, while also playing solid defense.

“We were fortunate to come away with the win late. Now we will enjoy this win tonight and get ready to compete again tomorrow.”

Taveras went 3-for 5 at the plate for Greensboro, while recording two RBIs. Murray and Faul each had two hits, while Neumeister, Cox, and Edward Milian had one hit each. Christian Kercado was credited with the win after pitching 1/3 of an inning. Piero Amador pitched the first six innings and struck out five batters but did not factor into the decision.

The Pride and the Quakers will square off in Game 2 of the series Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will take place at Guilford College. For more information on Greensboro College baseball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.