Franceschi and Wall tally first wins, NCWC sweeps Stevenson

Rocky Mount, NC - Freshman Ben Franceschi and sophomore Richard Wall tallied their first career wins on Wednesday and Thursday as the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan turned in a two-game sweep of Stevenson University at Bauer Field by 7-3 and 7-4 scores. Franceschi (left) earned Wednesday's victory after going 7.2 innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, while Wall (right) recorded Thursday's win, allowing two runs on five hits over five complete. The Bishops have now won six straight to even their overall record at 10-10 on the season.

The Bishops downed the Mustangs by a 7-3 score on Wednesday behind Franceschi's strong performance. Senior Luke Williford got the Wesleyan on the board in the bottom of the first when he singled and promptly stole second and third. A throwing error on his second steal attempt allowed him to cross home and gave the Bishops a quick 1-0 lead. NCWC would never trail from that point on.

Williford finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Justin Batts, Zach Alexander, and Daniel Moore also had two hits apiece, while five different Bishops tallied an RBI in the contest. Junior John Child tossed the final 1.1 innings to pick up his third save of the season.

For Stevenson, Griffen Stewart and George Papuchis each recorded solo homeruns. Starter Randy Bond took the loss, going 3.2 innings and allowing two runs on five hits.

On Thursday, Wesleyan again took an early lead in the bottom of the third. Junior Joel Creef started a two-out rally with a single to left, and Williford followed suit with a single of his own. After Batts was hit by a pitch to load the bases, senior Zollie Woodlief belted a three-run double off the fence in left- center for a 3-0 Wesleyan advantage.

Williford and Batts each had an RBI in the fifth to push the lead to 5-0. Batts' RBI came on a solo shot to left field, his second of the season. Again, Wesleyan would never trail en route to the 7-4 final.

Wall protected the early lead and was eventually relieved by sophomore Andrew Webb in the fifth. Webb proceeded to go 2.2 innings and give up two runs (both unearned) on on four hits. Batts tossed the final 1.1 innings to secure his second save in as many chances.

Williford, Woodlief, and Zach Alexander ripped two hits apiece for the Bishops, while Ryan Baione paced the Mustangs with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.

Wesleyan returns to USA South action this weekend when the Bishops host a two-game set with Greensboro College at Bauer Field. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
 

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