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BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Nick Thayer tossed a complete game shutout, leading Campbell to a 1-0 Big South series opening win over visiting Presbyterian Friday night at Jim Perry Stadium.
After rain delayed the start of Friday night's tilt nearly two hours, Thayer, a senior from Overland Park, Kan. went the distance for the second time this season, allowing just three hits with eight strikeouts. The right-hander did not walk a batter, facing just two over the minimum while moving to 7-5 on the season.
Campbell moved to 23-21 overall and 10-6 in Big South play, while PC dipped to 23-22 on the season and 9-10 in conference games. The Camels have claimed 11 in a row over the Blue Hose in the series.
Anthony Lopez provided the Campbell offense with one out in the first, launching a 2-1 Brian Kehner offering over the wall in left for his fifth home run of the season.
The Lopez homer was one of two Campbell hits on the night, along with Matt Parrish's one out double in the fourth.
Kehner (4-5) took the loss, allowing a run on two hits with 13 strikeouts and one walk.
Thayer faced the minimum until Weston Jackson's two out base hit in the fourth. Jackson again reached in the seventh, this time on a Campbell error, before being stranded at third.
The complete game shutout marked the second in a row for Campbell pitching in Big South play. The Camels have tossed 26 consecutive scoreless innings against conference opponents.
Campbell pitchers have thrown complete games in seven of their last 12 Big South games.
The series continues tomorrow, May 7, with a 3 p.m. start. Sunday's finale is set for 2 p.m.
Campbell will head to Elon next Tuesday, May 10, before hosting High Point in its home finale, May 13-15.
