Big South Series Finale Set for Sunday in Shelby

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Longwood Lancers and Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs will decide their Big South Conference opening series in a Sunday matchup at John Henry Moss Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and 69 degrees.

Longwood (14-5, 1-1 Big South) evened the series with a 3-1 win Friday before Gardner-Webb (11-8, 1-1) responded with a 7-2 victory Saturday.

A key pitching rematch is anticipated. Longwood’s Brady Hoover, who took the loss Saturday despite allowing no hits over 6 1/3 innings, is expected to get the ball again. The right-hander has been inconsistent, following a nine-strikeout win over Youngstown State on Feb. 28 with a rough outing at Alabama State on March 7 where he allowed eight earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings.

Gardner-Webb may counter with Colby Putnam, who earned the win Saturday with 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Putnam has been effective in three of his last four appearances, including scoreless outings against Appalachian State and in the series opener.

At the plate, Longwood’s Jon Howard is coming off a 3-for-4 performance with a home run Saturday. Gardner-Webb’s Ryan Kennell went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs in the same game.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-5 victory for Longwood.

Following Sunday’s finale, Longwood will host William & Mary on Tuesday. Gardner-Webb travels to face Western Carolina on Tuesday.