Rocky Mount, NC - With a 12-10 victory over Piedmont College on Monday afternoon at Bauer Field, the North Carolina Wesleyan baseball program has earned the 1,000th win in its storied history. Senior Luke Williford helped the Bishops do so by blasting his second three-run homerun in the past four games, this one erasing a 10-9 Lion lead in the seventh inning and proving the final margin of victory for NCWC. Wesleyan (6-10) is now 1000-622-7 during its 46-year history.

The Bishops forged a 9-3 lead after six thanks in part to a three-run double by senior Travis Beausoleil in the fifth. NCWC starter Justin Diener looked to pick up his first victory, going six innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits. Diener also tallied eight strikeouts against one walk.

The Lions, however, greeted the Bishop bullpen with a seven-spot upon Diener's exit. Piedmont ripped five hits in the inning and benefited from a costly fielding error that led to four unearned runs.

Down 10-9 heading into the seventh inning stretch, Beausoeil got a rally started by leading off the frame with a single. He was then sacrificed to second before an infield single by Joel Creef left runners at first and third with one out. Williford then deposited reliever Josh Strickland's offering into the pine trees in left to give Wesleyan a 12-10 lead and eventual milestone victory.

Sophomore Andrew Webb (1-1) picked up the win in relief, giving up two runs (both unearned) on two hits in the seventh. Sophomore Richard Wall then tossed 1.1 scoreless innings before senior Justin Batts came on in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

Strickland took the loss for Piedmont.

Wesleyan and Piedmont face off again on Monday at Bauer Field. First pitch is slated for 11:00 a.m.

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