BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell fell behind early and couldn't make up enough ground in the ninth and dropped the series opener 10-6 to Charleston Southern. Campbell had its share of chances but couldn't cash in and left 10 runners in scoring position.
With the loss, Campbell falls to 14-9, 9-6 in the Big South while Charleston Southern improves to 10-11, and 9-9 in league play.
The inability to score the runners in scoring position showed up right away for the Camels. With the bases loaded and one out in the first, a strikeout and popup ended the inning with nothing to show.
Andrew Bullock was given a chance with the bases loaded in the third and did not waste it, driving one that carried just over the wall in right field for a grand slam and his third home run of the season. Campbell starter
Thomas Harrington settled down to get the next two batters, but the damage was done and the Bucs led 4-0.
Campbell got one back in the bottom of the frame thanks to a Matt Christian RBI single, but the Camels once again left two on and couldn't draw any closer.
The Buccaneers scored at least one run in the fifth through ninth innings to push the lead to 10-3 heading to the bottom of the ninth after a
Zach Neto eighth inning two-run blast in the eighth.
After trailing by seven entering the ninth, the Camels were one swing away from a tie game. RBIs from Wolf and Neto pushed the score to 10-6, and a walk to
Tyler McPeak loaded the bases for
Lawson Harrill. The redshirt freshman lifted one to the gap in left field, but not deep enough and the Camels left the bases loaded to fall 10-6.
Charleston Southern starter RJ Petit had another strong outing, this time allowing just one run over 7.0 innings of work to earn the win.
Thomas Harrington was tagged with the loss allowing six runs in 4.0 innings.
Ty Cummings and
Brendan Wright also saw time on the mound tonight.
Four Camels had multi-hit nights, along with working a total of six walks and being hit by four pitches.
The Camels and Bucs return to action tomorrow for a doubleheader. Game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. with game two 45 minutes to follow. Tomorrow's games can be found on ESPN3.
