FLORENCE, S.C. — The University of Mount Olive baseball team carried a late lead into the eighth inning, but a surge from Newberry College resulted in a 3-2 loss on the road.
Mount Olive got on the board early in the top of the second inning when Mac James delivered an RBI single to score Rowan Watt, giving the Trojans a 1-0 lead. The offense continued to apply pressure, putting multiple runners on base in the early innings, but was unable to add to the advantage.
On the mound, John Nelson McLamb set the tone with a strong outing, pitching 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. Despite issuing six walks, the right-hander worked out of trouble and struck out five to keep Newberry off the scoreboard.
The Trojans extended their lead in the sixth inning when James struck again, this time blasting a solo home run to left field to make it 2-0. Reliever Gabe Adams followed with 2.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and preserving the lead through seven innings.
However, momentum shifted in the bottom of the eighth. Newberry drew two walks to set up a two-RBI double down the left field line, tying the game at 2-2. Moments later, a pinch-hit RBI double plated the go-ahead run, putting Newberry in front 3-2.
All three runs in the inning were charged to Mike Walsh, who was tagged with the loss. Kole Hopkins entered in relief and recorded the final two outs to prevent further damage.
Mount Olive had one last chance in the ninth, drawing a leadoff walk, but could not capitalize as Newberry closed out the game.
The Trojans now shift their focus to their final regular season series against Ferrum College in Ferrum, with first pitch scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.
