The Youngstown State baseball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon in the second game of a three-game weekend series at Bill Masters Field in Boiling Springs, N.C.
The Runnin' Bulldogs scored once in the first and twice in the second while keeping the Penguins off the scoreboard to secure the series victory. Youngstown State got a runner into scoring position in each of its final two at bats but was unable to capitalize. The Guins outhit the Runnin' Bulldogs 7-5 but left 12 runners on base in the contest.
YSU starter JJ Tylicki allowed three runs on three hits with four strikeouts over a season-high five innings of work. The redshirt senior right-hander settled in to toss three straight scoreless frames as he retired the side in order in each of his final three innings on the mound. Brandon Mikos faced the minimum over three scoreless innings of relief as he induced three inning-ending double plays.
Jack Johnson went 2-for-4 as the only Penguin with multiple hits while Brady Shannon doubled and walked twice.
The Runnin' Bulldogs scored a single run in the bottom of the first inning to jump in front. Two walks and a single loaded the bases before a bases-loaded walk from Nick Capozzi gave Gardner-Webb a 1-0 lead.
GWU struck for a pair of runs on two hits in the home half of the second to push its advantage to 3-0. Ryan Kennell hit a two-out single, advanced to second on a walk by Merik Carter, stole third and scored on an RBI infield single from Tanner Thomas.
Gardner-Webb starter Jaden Stockton allowed two hits and struck out four batters over four innings while Jace Presley tossed three scoreless innings of relief. John Pfeffer came on to pitch the final two frames to earn the save for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
The Penguins and Runnin' Bulldogs will conclude their three-game weekend series on Sunday. First pitch at Bill Masters Field in scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
