UNC Asheville scored six unanswered runs to close out the opener and put the nightcap away with a seven-run sixth to sweep the series-opening doubleheader from Siena Baseball. The Bulldogs won by scores of 11-6 and 12-5, respectively.
Game One: UNC Asheville 11, Siena 6
UNC Asheville (5-5) answered a five-run Siena (0-8) rally with six unanswered runs to take a topsy-turvy opener.
The Bulldogs scored four times in the home half of the third to claim a 5-1 lead early on. But the Saints responded with four runs of their own in the following frame – capped by a
Kobe Stenson three-run homer – and forged ahead 6-5 in the fifth on an RBI single from
Louis Percival.
But No. 9 hitter Ben Hemphill delivered the decisive go-ahead two run double in the home half of the fifth and, after adding an insurance run in the sixth, UNC Asheville put the game away with a three-run seventh.
All nine Siena batters registered hits, although
Danny Barbero was the lone Saint with a multi-hit effort.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs pounded out 15 hits, led by a three-hit effort by Ty Kaufman who also drove in three runs. Justin Needles allowed just one run over five innings out of the bullpen to earn the win.
Game Two: UNC Asheville 12, Siena 5
UNC Asheville blew open an early pitchers duel with a decisive seven-run sixth to complete the doubleheader sweep.
The Bulldogs held a slight 2-1 advantage before blowing things open in the sixth. UNC Asheville sent 10 men to the plate – and scored their seven runs despite the benefit of just four hits – taking full advantage of three Siena errors in the frame. Corbin Lanowitz delivered the big blow in the inning with a three-run homer.
The Saints responded with three runs in the next half inning to start a rally, but the Bulldogs answered with three of their own in the home half to quell the uprising.
Randall Hien doubled twice and scored a pair of runs out of the No. 9 hole to pace Siena offensively, while
Austin Rachiele added a pair of hits.
Colby Guy tossed five innings of one-run ball to earn the win for UNC Asheville.
Siena will look to salvage the series Sunday at noon.
