BOONE, N.C. (Interstat) — Gage Peterson struck out 11 over six dominant innings and Joseph Zamora drove in three runs as part of a perfect four-hit day, powering Appalachian State to a 13-3 rout of Presbyterian in college baseball Saturday at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.

The Mountaineers, who evened the weekend series after a shutout loss Friday, erupted for six runs in the second inning and never looked back, improving to 8-5. The Blue Hose fell to 2-12.

Peterson, the top star for Appalachian State, was masterful in his start. He allowed six hits and walked none, with the only three runs against him being unearned due to a third-inning error. He overpowered Presbyterian’s lineup, recording 11 of his 18 outs via strikeout. The performance was a stark turnaround from his previous outing on Feb. 28, when he allowed four earned runs against Gardner-Webb.

The most important part of the game was Appalachian State’s immediate and overwhelming response after falling behind early. Presbyterian pushed across three unearned runs in the top of the third inning to tie the game at 3-3, capitalizing on a Mountaineer error. Amman Dewberry provided the key hit, a two-run double, and later scored on an Eli Guilford single.

Any momentum for the Blue Hose was extinguished immediately in the bottom of the frame. The Mountaineers sent 11 batters to the plate in a six-run outburst that reclaimed the lead for good. The inning featured disciplined at-bats, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Ethan Puig, a two-run single from Nico Soul and another sacrifice fly from Steven Smith. The rally chased Presbyterian starter Alex Charambous and established a commanding 6-3 advantage that would only grow.

Appalachian State’s offense was relentless, tallying 13 hits. Zamora, the second baseman, led the charge going 4 for 4 with a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored. Designated hitter Nico Soul added three hits, including a two-run homer in the sixth inning, and finished with four RBIs. First baseman Jalen Seward also contributed with two doubles and three runs scored.

The Mountaineers executed small ball effectively, recording three sacrifice flies in the game.

Presbyterian managed just six hits. Catcher Caden Mason went 2 for 2 with a walk and a double, and Dewberry’s two-run double accounted for the bulk of the Blue Hose offense. Relief pitcher Eli Bowery provided a bright spot with 0.2 innings of hitless work.

Appalachian State added single runs in the fourth and seventh innings and broke the game open with a four-run sixth, capped by Soul’s homer. The Mountaineers’ bullpen, led by Reyn Watson’s perfect seventh inning, closed the door.

The teams conclude their three-game series Sunday afternoon.