FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Methodist University Baseball Team (10-7) scored six runs over the first three innings en route to a 16-4 victory over Emory & Henry College (2-8) Wednesday afternoon at Armstrong-Shelley Field.

The Monarchs got on the board with four runs in the top of the first. A double to right field by Steven Kirby got things started for Methodist who added single runs in the second and the third to extend the lead to 6-0.

Emory & Henry cracked the scoring column in the sixth with a run. With the bases loaded and one out, freshman catcher Brandon Whitaker (Walnut Cove, N.C.) singled through the left side to drive in senior first baseman Bransen Christopher (Hickory, N.C.), who walked to lead off the frame.

MU chipped in two runs in the sixth to extend its lead to 8-1 on a double to right centerfield by Ray Lanners.

The Wasps responded with three runs in the top of the seventh. Senior designated hitter Kevin Nelson (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Whitaker were both hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in runs. Freshman second baseman Austin Crowder (Mooresburg, Tenn.) then drew a walk to close the gap to 8-4.

The Monarchs added four runs in both the seventh and eighth for the final 16-4 margin.

Lanners led Methodist with three hits and added three RBI and two runs. Matt Jack, Pete Wildeboer and Adam Gunn each had two hits in the game while Stephen Nalls scored two runs and had two RBI. Nine different Monarchs saw time on the mound with Josh Howard earning the win.

Emory & Henry junior centerfielder Brett Johnson (Sugar Grove, Va.) had three hits while Nelson added a pair of base knocks. Christophe scored two runs while Whitaker added two RBI. Freshman Dakota Grizzel (Castlewood, Va.) took the loss, allowing six runs in three innings of work.

E&H will have its first home games of the season when it faces Lynchburg College in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15