DURHAM, N.C. – Duke rallied for six runs in the third inning to take the midweek matchup from the Lancers, 9-3, Wednesday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
One of the hottest teams in the nation with nine consecutive wins, Duke (10-2) outpaced Longwood (3-9) in the middle innings due to the game-changing rally.
"The big third inning was the difference tonight," Longwood head coach
Ryan Mau said. "We have to minimize our mental and physical errors. Anytime we put that many mistakes together in one inning good teams will make you pay."
Longwood starter
Tyler Morgan (1-1) was off to a quick start with four strikeouts in his first two innings of work, but took the loss after being knocked out of the game in the third inning by Duke.
"I thought Morgan had good stuff and gave us a solid start early on," Mau said. "He lost his command in the third and they put a couple big swings on him."
Morgan finished with six runs allowed on five walks and two hits in 2.2 innings of work with a season-high five strikeouts.
Bill Chillari (1-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen in what turned into a staff day for Duke. Chillari tossed 2.0 innings of two-run ball with three hits and one walk allowed. After 2.0 scoreless innings from starter Bryce Jarvis and Chillari's two frames, Duke used five pitchers who each pitched 1.0 inning.
On the offensive end for the Lancers, sophomore infielder
Nate Blakeney had a season-high three hits in his team-leading fifth multi-hit game. Blakeney was 3-for-4 with one RBI and his first career triple.
"Blakeney has been seeing the ball very well and is driving the ball to all fields," Mau said. "He has done a great job being that middle of the order threat we need."
After the big third inning for Duke, Longwood pitching held the Blue Devils to three runs over the next 5.0 innings.
Tommy Green,
Maceo Campbell, and
Tyler Knapp combined held Duke to two runs, one earned.
"Tommy, Maceo, and Tyler did a good job out of the bullpen for us," Mau said. "Those are three very talented young arms who are looking more and more comfortable each opportunity they get. They all have been working hard and are competing for key bullpen roles."
Green was the first of the three freshman out of the pen and tossed a season-high 3.0 innings with five strikeouts, also tied for a season high, and held Duke to one run on three hits and one walk. Campbell tossed 1.0 inning with one unearned run allowed on two walks with no hits and two strikeouts. Knapp pitched a perfect eighth inning with 1.0 inning of work and one strikeout.
The game was scoreless entering the home half of the third inning. After striking out the side in order in the second inning, Morgan allowed the first hit of the game on a double to Duke outfielder Jimmy Herron. After the next batter reached on a fielder's choice that didn't record an out, Griffin Conine brought in a pair of runs on a double. After a walk put runners on first and second base, Morgan picked up the second out on his fifth strikeout. From there a walk to load the bases, a bases-loaded walk, a wild pitch, and two RBI singles brought in four more runs, putting the Duke lead at 6-0.
The Lancers put their own rally together in the top of the fourth.
Ryan Shull started the frame drawing a seven-pitch walk and scored on an RBI triple to center by Blakeney.
Joey Mendez brought home Blakeney on a sacrifice fly.
Justin Mitchell and
Antwaun Tucker each singled, but a lineout doubleplay ended the inning.
Longwood scored again in the seventh after
Eric Crain doubled to left and
Sammy Miller brought him in with a single to center.
The Lancers return to action Friday, set to host a three-game series against Iona. Longwood and Iona play game one at 4 p.m. Friday at Buddy Bolding Stadium.
#GoWood
