BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell got back in the win column with a walk-off two-run home run from
Drake Pierson to lift Campbell to a 3-2 win over Air Force. The win snaps a six-game losing streak for the Camels and moves them to 2-6 on the year, while Air Force falls to 3-5.
Pierson provided Campbell's first walk-off home run since Drew Butler did so against UNC Asheville in 2017. Trailing 2-1, the redshirt-junior turned on a two-out 2-0 pitch and put it over the left field wall.
Zach Neto had reached to lead off the inning on an error from the Air Force third baseman.
Campbell's other run book-ended the game, with a manufactured run in the first inning.
Bryce Arnold got hit by a pitch to put him on before a wild pitch and stolen base pushed him to third.
Zach Neto lifted a fly ball to left field to plate Arnold and give the Camels an early lead.
Air Force responded quickly with a run in the second to even the score and took the lead in the fifth on an RBI single.
Aaron Rund started on the hill for the Camels and worked 5.2 innings with a line of 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 Ks.
Brendan Wright earned the win after recording the final out in the top of the ninth, getting a strikeout to leave the bases loaded and keep it a one-run ballgame and set up the walk-off.
The Camels four hits were spread across four players: Pierson, Neto,
Ty Babin and
Lawson Harrill. Neto has now reached safely in each game this season.
The Camels face a quick turnout with No. 8 NC State set to make a trip to Jim Perry Stadium Wednesday night. That game is sold out, with some standing room tickets available at the gate on game day. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.
