March 25, 2006
Walk-off Blast Propels Monarchs
Hunt’s home run wins game one, Denning cruises in game two

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- After trailing for the entire contest, the Monarchs (14-11, 6-5) came back in grand fashion to steal the win 7-4 from Christopher Newport (10-11, 5-6) in the first game of the USA South conference doubleheader on Saturday at Shelley Field. 

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning the Monarchs sent the game to extra innings when pinch hitter Michael Ellsworth singled home Andy Redman.  Redman was running for Zach Greenhaw who started the rally with an infield hit.

In the bottom of the tenth Kyle Eudy reached on an error and was successfully advanced by Brad Davis.  The captains then intentionally walked Jonathan Spivey to set the table for Matt Hunt.  Hunt responded by ending the game with a walk off home run just over the left field wall.

The game featured a combined twenty strikeouts and just the one intentional walk.  Methodist starter Ryan Brandt pitched eight innings striking out ten while Christopher Newport starter Kenny Moreland struck out nine in nine innings of work.

Casey Varnell got the win in relief pitching the last two innings.  Cary Bruner took the loss in relief for the Captains. 

 

In the second game the Monarchs put up five runs the bottom of the second and cruised for the victory 5-0.  Methodist took advantage of two walks and two Christopher Newport errors.  Michael Hunts RBI single was the only Methodist base hit to leave the infield in the inning.

 

The cushion was more than enough for senior Adam Denning.  Denning surrendered only four hits, walked three and struck out fourteen.

 

Hunt and Dustin Proctor had two hits a piece for the Monarchs. 

 

Methodist looks for the series sweep tomorrow at 2 pm at Shelley Field.