Cary, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan baseball team used timely hitting and strong pitching to earn a 4-2 victory over William Peace in game one of the USA South series on Friday afternoon.

The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 4, William Peace 2
Location/Venue: Cary, NC / USA Baseball National Training Complex
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (6-19, 4-6 USA South), William Peace (7-21, 2-8 USA South)

The Bishops struck early, plating a run in the top of the first as Jackson Ellyson scored on an RBI groundout by Javier Quintana. Wesleyan added to its lead in the fourth, taking advantage of a William Peace error to push across two more runs. Brady Williams' fielder's choice drove in two, giving the Bishops a 3-0 cushion.

Starting pitcher Marc DeNunzio was effective, tossing six strong innings. The lefty allowed just two runs on two hits while striking out three and working around six walks. The only damage against him came in the sixth, when the Pacers cut the lead to 3-2 on a two-run double from Ian Turner.

The Bishops got an insurance run in the seventh after Malachi Hayes scored on a throwing error by the pitcher, making it 4-2. Preston Workman came on in relief and closed the door, earning his first save of the season with three innings of one-hit ball while striking out four.

Offensively, Quintana led the way with two hits, a run scored, and an RBI. Hayes also tallied a pair of hits and scored once, while Caleb Elias and Maison Nance added a double apiece.

Up Next:
Game two is set for Saturday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.