Newport News, V.A. - N.C. Wesleyan battled throughout a midweek matchup against No. 15 Christopher Newport on Wednesday afternoon at Captains Park but ultimately fell 9-6 after a late push from the Battling Bishops. Wesleyan totaled nine hits and drew seven walks, showing resilience against a nationally ranked opponent.

The Bishops answered an early deficit in the second inning when Malachi Hayes delivered an RBI single to even the score at 1-1. After Christopher Newport regained momentum with a big fifth and sixth inning, Wesleyan continued to fight and cut into the deficit in the sixth as Jacob Trivette drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run.

Trailing 9-2 heading into the eighth inning, the Bishops mounted their biggest rally of the game. Brady Williams and Jake Flowers each singled to start the inning before Apollos Horrell worked a walk to load the bases. Caleb Elias followed with an RBI walk, and Wesleyan capitalized on wild pitches to bring in additional runs. Hayes added an RBI groundout, and Elias later scored to trim the deficit to 9-6.

At the plate, Hayes led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while Flowers and Williams each collected two hits. Banks Hartman reached base three times, and Elias contributed an RBI in the rally. On the mound, Tyler Jumper started and kept the game close early before Ben Powers, Drake Hobgood, Preston Workman, and Sam Johnson all saw action in relief as Wesleyan battled throughout the contest against a top-15 opponent.