Fulford tosses perfect game, Bishops sweep Mary Baldwin

Rocky Mount, NC - Senior Libby Fulford became the first pitcher in North Carolina Wesleyan history to toss a perfect game on Saturday afternoon, shutting out Mary Baldwin in game one of the Bishops' USA South doubleheader by an 18-0 score. Fulford (pictured) retired all 15 batters she faced, striking out 11 in the process. Freshman Kacie Brandes picked up the win in game two as Wesleyan cruised to a 7-2 victory. The sweep ups the Bishops' overall record to 16-14 and seals 7th place in the USA South with a 7-11 league mark.

In the opener, the Bishops plated runs in every inning, including a 10-run fourth that erased any thoughts of an MBC comeback. Ashlee Bass went 3-for-3 with three runs driven in, while Alexis Gallop also went 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Katie Dunavant chipped in two hits.

The Bishops benefited from 11 walks.

After a two-hour rain delay, the Squirrels took Wesleyan the distance in game two. NCWC grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a Fulford RBI-single in the first that scored Denise Pope. The Bishops added two in the third and four in the fourth to open up a 7-0 advantage.

Mary Baldwin plated its first runs of the day in the sixth and seventh on RBI-singles by Taylor Barela and Christie Hamilton.

It was too little too late, however, as the Bishops secured the sweep, 7-2. Payton Gordon led Wesleyan's offense by going 2-for-4 with three RBI.

Brandes went six complete, allowing one run on four hits and striking out seven. Tiffany McCord recorded the game's final three outs in relief.

Wesleyan wraps up its 2008 home slate on Sunday afternoon when Chowan University visits Edge Field. The non-conference twinbill is slated for 2:00 p.m., and the Bishops will be honoring their four seniors prior to the first game.

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