MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Israel Ortiz homered and drove in three runs, and Methodist scored in seven of nine innings to down second-seeded Pfeiffer with an 11-3 victory in the USA South Conference baseball tournament on Thursday at Joe Ferebee Field.
Methodist (19-23) finished with 15 hits, including three home runs, and took control for good with a three-run sixth inning highlighted by Ortiz's three-run shot to left. Brandon Mauger added two solo homers and scored three runs as the Monarchs continued to add on late with runs in the eighth and ninth innings.
Bryce Mauger earned the win on the mound for Methodist, allowing one run on six hits over six innings with three strikeouts and two walks. Presley Patterson and Jackson Kuhn combined to close it out over the final three innings.
Pfeiffer (21-20) was limited to three runs despite collecting 11 hits and leaving 11 runners on base.
Austin Wood drove in a run with a first-inning single, while
Levi Barrett had an RBI double in the eighth and
Jack Brandle doubled home a run in the ninth. Brandle finished with two hits, including a double.
Joe Javier took the loss for the Falcons, allowing three runs on seven hits in four innings. The Pfeiffer bullpen surrendered eight runs over the final five frames as Methodist steadily pulled away.
The Falcons will return to USA South Tournament play on Friday, May 1 with a 3:30 p.m. game against Southern Virginia.
