Greensboro, N.C. - N.C. Wesleyan opened play in the USA South Conference Tournament with a 5-3 loss to William Peace on Thursday afternoon at Ted Leonard Park, battling throughout but unable to overcome late runs by the Pacers. The Battling Bishops totaled 10 hits and stayed within striking distance for much of the contest in a tightly contested matchup.
William Peace struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but Wesleyan responded in the bottom half as Maison Nance delivered an RBI single to bring home Malachi Hayes. The Bishops continued to apply pressure and evened the game in the fourth when Brady Williams drove in a run, and later tied it at 3-3 in the fifth on an RBI double from Drew Krause.
Both teams were held scoreless into the later innings before William Peace broke through in the seventh, taking a 4-3 lead on an RBI fielder's choice. The Pacers added an insurance run in the ninth on a solo home run, creating separation late in the game.
At the plate, Nance led the way with two hits and an RBI, while Banks Hartman added two hits and reached base multiple times. Krause delivered a key RBI double, and Williams contributed two hits and an RBI as Wesleyan's offense generated consistent opportunities. On the mound, Colby Lewis turned in a solid start, going six innings and allowing three runs, while Chase Chappell, Aaron Holley, and Jackson Pavone worked in relief as the Bishops competed throughout the tournament opener.
