WILMINGTON, NC – North Carolina A&T took an early lead over UNC Wilmington in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) baseball action on Friday. But the Seahawks gradually pulled away in a 13-3 win at Brooks Field. In dropping the first game of the three-game series between the two teams, the Aggies fell to 12-13 overall and 5-5 in the CAA. UNCW has won four out of five to move to 17-9 overall and 8-2 in league play.
The Aggies took an early 2-0 lead in their first-time at-bat. UNCW right-handed starter Jacob Shafer walked Aggies right fielder Shemar Dalton to open the game. Shafer then plunked third baseman Cort Maynard with a 2-1 pitch. Designated hitter Camden Jackson then bunted his way on to load the bases for catcher Canyon Brown.
Brown grounded into a double play that allowed Dalton to score and Maynard to reach third as the Aggies took a 1-0 lead. Reigning co-CAA baseball player of the week, Tre Williams, then singled to center field to score Maynard for a 2-0 A&T advantage. Left fielder Cameran Brantley ended the inning by flying out to left.
It took Jackson and Williams only one inning to extend their respective hitting streaks. Jackson extended his hitting streak to eight games, and Williams' streak reached seven straight games.
But the Seahawks tied the game at 2-2 going into the third inning by scoring a run apiece in the first and second innings. UNCW took the lead for good in the home third when Tanner Tach hit a two-run home run to give the Seahawks a 4-2 lead.
UNCW scored at least one run in every inning they batted. The Aggies got back on the board in the ninth inning as they loaded the bases on a TJ Ash reaching on a fielder's choice, Devon Rodriguez's single and Dalton walking on four pitches. UNCW RHP and reliever Cody Benton also walked Maynard to force in Ash's run.
LHP Cole Benton replaced Cody Benton and got Michael Login to hit into a double play to end the game. Shafer (W, 5-1) pitched seven innings and did not surrender a run after the first inning, giving up six hits and striking out three. Coley Kilpatrick (L, 2-4) lasted three innings, giving up six runs on six hits and striking out two.
Williams went 2-for-4 for the Aggies with an RBI. In addition, to extending his hitting streak, Williams has also hit at least one double in his last six games. Jackson went 2-for-3. Thach went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and four RBI. The two teams play again on Saturday at 4 p.m.
