CARY, N.C. (April 28, 2024 --William Peace's three-run fifth inning proved to be the difference, as the Pfeiffer Falcons lost the regular season finale to the Pacers 4-3 at the USA Baseball National Training Center in Cary, N.C..
Sam Safrit (1-1) took the loss on the mound for Pfeiffer (19-19, 10-11). Freshman Ivan Delp started the ballgame and went three shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one and striking out two.
Offensively, the Falcons were paced by senior Zach Ferrell, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Cam Graham put together a standout day at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Joe Javier also helped out, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Falcons put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the third inning. Ferrell put Pfeiffer on the board with a leadoff home run off B. Borte.
The Falcons then held the Pacers scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Thomas Ashby came across to score the lone run of the inning for Pfeiffer, which brought the Falcons lead to 2-0.
Pfeiffer's lead had disappeared by the time the sixth inning arrived and turned into a 4-2 William Peace advantage, when the Falcons cut that deficit to 4-3. The Falcons were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Pfeiffer's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed one run across.
» Pfeiffer pitchers faced 37 William Peace hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out five.
» Ferrell led the Falcons at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI.
» William Peace was led offensively by C. Thompson, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
THE SCENARIO
With the regular season complete, Pfeiffer has qualified for the USA South Tournament, which begins on Thursday, May 2.
Pfeiffer's seed will be determined pending the outcome of the game between Southern Virginia and William Peace, which will be played on Monday, April 29 in Clayton, N.C.. The loser of the game between the Knights and Pacers will not qualify for the USA South Tournament.
A William Peace win over Southern Virginia would give the Falcons the fifth seed in the tournament and a trip to Rocky Mount, N.C. to take part in Bracket One.hosted by N.C. Wesleyan, where the Falcons would face Greensboro.
A Southern Virginia win over William Peace would relegate Pfeiffer to the sixth seed, where they would travel to Brevard, N.C. where they would take on third-seeded Methodis, also on Thursday, May 2..
