BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University baseball couldn't overcome the offensive explosion of UT Arlington, falling 18-1 on a gusty Friday night at Smith Stadium.
The Mountaineers (12-18, 3-7 Sun Belt) wouldn't be able to get back on track after a five-run first inning and a four-run second inning by the Mavericks (15-16, 5-4) to start the game. Six errors would also doom the Black and Gold as they tried to rally back.
Appalachian would get on the board to avoid the shutout in the second when Drake Zupcic was able to get a leadoff double to start. A Matt Brill flyout advanced him to second before a shot to left field by Conner Leonard brought him across the plate.
Despite only being able to plate one, App State was able to get seven hits on the night. Matt Vernon finished with a fine 2-for-4 showing, while Calev Grubbs and Zupcic both finished 1-for-4 with a double apiece. Leonard's RBI single was his lone at-bat of the evening.
On the mound, Travis Holden got the usual Friday start, going 3.1 innings and facing 25 batters. Dallas DeVrieze, Thomas Young and Seth Hardin all provided relief efforts on the night, with DeVrieze leading all with four strikeouts.
The Mountaineers will face off against UT Arlington in Game Two on Saturday, April 8 at Smith Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
