BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Despite an early surge and a strong effort on the mound, West Virginia Wesleyan came up short against Salem University, falling 5-3 in a competitive matchup on Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats responded quickly after an early two-run deficit, as Drew Jrolf launched a two-run homer in the second inning, bringing home Alex Smith to tie the game at 2-2. Later in the frame, Luke Burner’s fielder’s choice brought Malik Wood across the plate, giving Wesleyan a 3-2 lead.
On the mound for the Bobcats, Alex Hernandez (0-1) took the loss despite a solid five-inning outing, allowing five runs (all earned) on seven hits with no walks. Kole Miller was effective in relief, tossing two scoreless innings while striking out three.
Offensively, Josh Ayala led Wesleyan with two hits, while Jrolf’s home run highlighted the Bobcat attack. Salem was paced by Rose, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Game 2
West Virginia Wesleyan fell behind early and was unable to recover in a 14-3 loss to Salem University at Hank Ellis Field. Despite recording 12 hits, the Bobcats were undone by defensive miscues and a seven-run seventh inning by the Tigers.
Wesleyan struck first in the opening frame as Josh Ayala’s RBI double brought home Jack Tilton, followed by a Thatcher Poteat single to plate Ayala, giving the Bobcats a 2-1 lead. However, Salem quickly responded, capitalizing on a three-run second inning and an aggressive running game to take control.Wesleyan attempted to mount a rally in the fifth when Grant Shumaker drove in Tilton to cut the deficit to 8-3, but that would be the last run for the Bobcats. Salem put the game away in the seventh, scoring six runs with the help of three Wesleyan errors.
Tilton led the Bobcats with three hits, while Ayala and Shumaker each recorded multi-hit games. Salem’s J. Lojo paced the Tigers with a three-hit, three-run performance, while Hurley drove in four runs.
Drew Evans (0-1) took the loss for Wesleyan, allowing six runs over two innings. The Bobcats’ bullpen struggled to contain Salem’s offense, surrendering eight runs over the final five frames.
The Bobcats will look to regroup in their next contest as they aim for their first win of the season.
