Fayetteville, N.C. - N.C. Wesleyan opened its conference series at Methodist on Friday evening, falling 9-2 despite showing flashes offensively throughout the contest. The Battling Bishops totaled seven hits and worked four walks but were unable to keep pace after a big inning by Methodist.

After a scoreless start, Methodist broke through with three runs in the second inning to take control early. Wesleyan responded in the fourth when Maison Nance launched a solo home run to center field to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Bishops continued to put runners on base, as Brady Williams collected two hits and Marlon Bowen added two hits off the bench.

Methodist extended its lead with a run in the fifth before pulling away in the seventh with a four-run inning, taking advantage of miscues to create separation. Wesleyan continued to battle late, as Bowen reached and eventually scored in the ninth on a passed ball to account for the final run.

On the mound, Colby Lewis started and went five innings, allowing four runs while keeping the Bishops within striking distance. Parker Sherrod, Caleb Dennis, and Tyler Jumper followed in relief as Wesleyan fought through the later innings. Despite the result, the Bishops showed resilience at the plate and will look to bounce back in the remainder of the series.