NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Junior pitcher Brandon Holsworth (Beal City, Mich.) had a career game Sunday at Captains Park as he pitched Gallaudet University to a 1-0 shutout over in-region powerhouse Christopher Newport University. Gallaudet (8-3) came through with its seven consecutive win as the Bison defeated the unranked Captains (7-7).
This is Gallaudet's first win over the Captains in six tries, a series that began in 2009. In the previous three years, when these two teams met CNU was ranked No. 8 or higher in the NCAA Division III baseball rankings.
Holsworth (3-1) tied his career-high with nine strikeouts as he allowed four hits and two walks on 114 pitches in the complete game (nine innings) shutout.
Senior Chris Guinn (McLoud, Okla.) came through the game's only RBI as he singled to left field, in the fourth inning, to plate senior outfielder William Bissell(Brewer, Maine) from second base.
CNU senior starting pitcher Bryan Bierlein (1-2) was just as impressive in the pitching duel. Bierlein pitched a complete game and allowed three singles, walked one, struck out six on just 84 pitches.
The Captains threatened in the bottom of the eighth inning as they loaded the bases with two outs but Holsworth got CNU first baseman Justin Weaver to strikeout for the third time in the game.
CNU started the bottom of the ninth inning with a single and a fielder's choice before hitting into a game-ending double play. Jacob Houston grounded out to first base for the second out but pinch runner Bryant Lowry gambled trying to take third base after advancing to second base on the ground out. Lowry saw GU third baseman Mitchell Bensman (Russia, Ohio) away from third base and darted to third but tripped halfway there and was tagged out to end the game.
Gallaudet senior catcher Casey Hicks (Henderson, Nev.) was one of three Bison to record a hit in the win. Hicks has hit safely in the 10 games he has played this season and has an 11-game hitting streak dating back to last season.
The Bison have five days to rest up before heading to Florida for their annual Spring Break trip. GU will face five different schools and play six games in six days. Gallaudet starts things off in Auburndale, Fla., against Ramapo on Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m.