Gritty Gold Bullpen Lifts Team Gold to Fall World Series Title – Elon University Athletics

 
Elon, N.C.- A seven inning, shutout performance from the Team Gold bullpen along with timely hits from Troy McGirt and Charlie Evans lifted the Golds to a game three win over Team Maroon, 4-1 Friday afternoon.
 
The combined efforts of; Tommy Mitchell, Hank Krift, Tyler Johns, Hudson Narke, and Cade Mustard shut down the Team Maroon offense, allowing four hits in seven frames while striking out five batters. Troy McGirt delivered the game-winning hit as part of Team Gold’s three-run fourth inning as a two-run double gave the Golds an advantage they would not give up.
 

How It Happened

• Nolan Straniero made his second start of the series on the mound, and he was equally as dominate the second time around. Straniero gave up a single to Tank Yaghoubi in the first but nothing more in the first three frames.
• Team Maroon struck first in the opening inning. Following a Kenny Mallory Jr. walk to lead off the inning, Alex Duffey delivered a double to the right center field gap, to score Mallory all the way from first to give Maroon the lead.
• While Straniero continued to deal, Declan Lavelle settled in allowing just one more hit in his two innings of work.
• Team Gold took advantage of a pitching change and put up three runs in the top of the fourth. After two quick outs, the Golds were able to reach base in part to a pair of hit by pitches. After a wild pitch, Troy McGirt delivered the games’ biggest hit with a two-run, two out double to give the Golds the lead. Charlie Evans would answer McGirt with a base hit to center field, scoring McGirt from second to give Team Gold a 3-1 advantage.
• The freshman combination of Tommy Mitchell and Hank Krift continued to deal against Team Maroon. In the middle innings, Mitchell and Krift combined to throw four innings and allowing just two hits.
• Team Gold added an insurance run in the top of the eighth. Heads up base running from Yaghoubi put a man on third with one out following a single and a throwing error from Team Maroon. The speed of Nathan Wingenroth was enough to force an error out of the Team Maroon shortstop and give Team Gold another run.
• For the second straight game, Cade Mustard came out of the bullpen and picked up the save giving Team Gold their second win and second straight Fall World Series title.