BOONE, N.C. – App State was unable to overcome a hot start at the plate from Gardner-Webb on Sunday, in a 19-6 loss for the Mountaineers at Smith Stadium.
App State (8-2) scored five of their six runs in the seventh inning.
Braxton Church began the rally by being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Luke Drumheller followed with a double off of the left field wall to score
Andrew Terrell and
Austin St. Laurent, who reached on a hit by pitch and walk respectively. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded again,
Dylan Rogers coaxed a walk to force in another run. Then with
Hunter Wilder batting, Drumheller came into score on a pickoff attempt that sailed into center field.
The Mountaineers were held to just seven hits in the ballgame, and went just 2-for-22 with runners in scoring position.
The pitching staff was highlighted by
Grey LaSpaluto who retired the side in order in a scoreless eighth, striking out two.
Jake Beaty recorded all three outs in the ninth, and has yet to allow an earned run in four outings with the Mountaineers.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (6-5) tallied 16 hits on the afternoon, scoring in seven of the nine innings they batted.
App State returns to action on Tuesday as they travel to Durham for a mid-week contest against Duke. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.