Consistent Attack Leads Baseball Past WCU, 7-5

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DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson scored runs in each of the first six innings with contributions throughout the lineup en route to a 7-5 victory over Western Carolina in Southern Conference baseball action Saturday at Wilson Field.

In leading Davidson (6-6, 2-3 SoCon), third baseman David Daniels and left fielder Lee Miller both had two hits, a walk and an RBI, while Daniels also scored once. Right fielder Nathan Becker went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI, and centerfielder Forrest Brandt went 0-for-3, but reached on an error and was hit by a pitch twice, allowing him to score twice too. Designated hitter Ryan Lowe hit his first career home run and Western Carolina (8-7, 1-1 SoCon) committed five errors, which resulted in a pair of unearned runs.

Third baseman Tyler White went 4-for-5 but did not score or drive in any runs for the Catamounts. He and designated hitter Luke Gragg, who hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to force a save situation, had the only multi-hit games for Western Carolina.

RHP Danny Mooney (2-1) allowed two runs on seven hits and four walks in 6 1/3 innings while striking out five for the win. Michael Zeblo (1) went 2-for-4 with a run scored while playing shortstop, then took the mound in the ninth for his first save of the season.

Daniels scored the first run of the game in the first inning after he reached on an infield single and then scored from first on an errant pickoff throw by the catcher that rolled deep into right field foul territory. The Wildcats scored two runs in the second inning, as Lowe slugged a home run into the trees in right centerfield to lead-off the frame. Zeblo then singled up the middle, stole second and advanced to third on the errant throw, and scored from third on a groundout by Becker.

After stranding two runners in scoring position in both the first and second innings, the Catamounts scored their first run in the third inning on an RBI-groundout by first baseman Austin Neary. However, Davidson answered in the bottom half of the frame after Brandt was hit by a pitch and then scored from first base for a 4-1 lead on a triple down the right field line by Miller.

Becker singled to lead off the fourth inning and advanced to third on a pair of groundouts, allowing Daniels to drive him in with a single up the middle. Aaron Attaway bounced a home run off the top of the fence for the Catamounts to lead off the top of the fifth inning, but the 'Cats restored the four-run advantage when Brandt reached on an error and advanced to third on a pair of wild pitches, and then scored on a sacrifice bunt by first baseman Andrew Barna.

Becker was hit by a pitch to start the sixth inning, advanced to second and third on a sacrifice bunt and fielding error, respectively, and then scored on a wild pitch for a 7-2 advantage.

Mooney induced a foul pop out to start the seventh inning for Davidson, but then gave up a walk and a single and was relieved by RHP Bryan DaCanal. DaCanal was able to get the first Catamount he faced to hit into a 3-6-1 double play and end the threat, but he allowed a pair of singles to start the eighth and surrendered Gragg's three-run homer before retiring the next two batters to end the frame.

Looking to tie the game for Western in the top of the ninth for the second day in a row, Neary came to the plate with a runner on third base, but he struck out swinging to end the game.

RHP Jordan Smith (1-2) allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and a walk and struck out three. RHP Jon Nadale pitched the final 2 2/3 innings for WCU and allowed just one hit and struck out four to quiet the Wildcats' bats late.

Davidson and Western Carolina will conclude the series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Wilson Field. A pair of lefties will start on the mound, as Morgan McKinney will take the ball for Western, and Rob Bain will do the same for Davidson.

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