SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — In a wild, extra-inning affair defined by clutch pitching, missed opportunities and a final, chaotic play, Gardner-Webb rallied to defeat Appalachian State 7-6 in 12 innings on Friday night at John Henry Moss Stadium.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs, trailing by a run entering the bottom of the 12th, tied the game on a wild pitch before winning it on an Appalachian State error, capping a three-hour and forty-two-minute marathon that saw the teams combine for 26 hits and 12 pitchers.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in that final half-inning. Gardner-Webb’s Mark Camarillo led off with a single against Appalachian State reliever Nick Dirito. After a Carter single moved Camarillo to third, Dirito unleashed a wild pitch that allowed Camarillo to score the tying run. Carter moved to second on the play. Following an intentional walk to load the bases, pinch-hitter Anthony Ripepi hit a sharp grounder to shortstop. The Mountaineers’ Soul Nico fielded it but committed a throwing error, allowing Carter to race home with the winning run.

The game’s conclusion overshadowed a masterful relief performance by Gardner-Webb’s Colby Putnam, who earned top star honors. Entering in the seventh inning with his team trailing 6-4, Putnam silenced the Mountaineers’ bats over 3.1 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five to keep the Runnin’ Bulldogs within striking distance. His outing set the stage for the late comeback after Jerek Hobb and the Gardner-Webb defense navigated the 10th and 11th.

Appalachian State had seized control early, plating four runs in the second inning. The big blow was a three-run double by Soul Nico, part of a six-run, 11-hit offensive effort. Right fielder Drew DuPont was a constant threat, going a perfect 5-for-5 with an RBI.

Gardner-Webb answered immediately in its half of the second, scoring four runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-run homer from second baseman Ryan Kennell. The Runnin’ Bulldogs added another run on a sacrifice bunt, showcasing the small-ball approach that produced three sacrifice hits on the night.

From there, the game evolved into a battle of bullpens. After Mountaineers starter Tanner Nolan was chased in the fourth, a procession of Appalachian State relievers combined for 8.1 innings of three-hit, one-run ball until the 12th. Key among them was Dirito, who struck out eight over 3.2 hitless innings before the fateful final frame, and JJ Garcia and Logan Tibbett, who provided critical scoreless outings.

Gardner-Webb chipped away, cutting the deficit to 6-5 in the ninth on a pinch-hit RBI double by Peter Liao. They then stranded the potential winning run at second in the 11th before breaking through in the 12th.

Appalachian State had taken a temporary 6-5 lead in the top of the 12th when Jona Xuereb doubled, advanced to third on a fielding error and scored on a Steve Smith groundout.

The loss dropped Appalachian State to 7-2 overall, while Gardner-Webb improved to 7-3. The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, which gave the Mountaineers a 65.1% probability to win and projected an 8-6 victory.

The teams continue their three-game series on Saturday afternoon.