BELMONT, N.C. – Ben Ferguson and Ben Gobbel both hit home runs and Jason White threw six shutout innings as the Belmont Abbey baseball team defeated Emmanuel 8-0 Friday in the first game of a three-game Conference Carolinas series at Abbey Yard.
 
The victory marked the second straight win in conference play for the Crusaders.
 
Belmont Abbey moved to 12-5 overall and 4-2 in league play while Emmanuel is now 8-12 overall and 1-6 in the conference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Belmont Abbey got off to a strong start offensively thanks to a leadoff single from Sean Johnson that was followed by a two-run home run from Ferguson two batters later.
• The home run was the team-leading sixth of the season for Ferguson. He finished the game 4-for-4.
• The Crusaders broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a grand slam from Gobbel. It was the third hit of the game for Gobbel and his fourth home run of the season.
• Belmont Abbey sent eight batters to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning.
• White worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the sixth inning by striking out the final two batters he faced to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
• He finished his latest start by striking out and allowing just four hits and two walks.
• The Crusaders were able to work their way out of another bases loaded jam in the next inning thanks to Will Carney and Ethan Wilson.
• The Abbey extended the lead when Zach Aehlert hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Gobbel.
• The Crusaders closed out the scoring in the bottom of the eighth when Connor Tucker scored on a double play. He had led off the inning with a walk.
• Austin Hunter struck out the side in the ninth inning to close out the game.
• The 14 strikeouts from the pitching staff matched a season high from the Feb. 8 game against Limestone.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders conclude the series with a doubleheader against the Lions beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday back at Abbey Yard.