Buies Creek – Campbell finished out its home series against Evansville with a doubleheader split Saturday at Jim Perry Stadium, with the Camels taking game one 8-1 before the Purple Aces claimed a 6-2 win in the finale.
Evansville (6-8) also took Friday night’s opener 13-9 over the Camels (6-9), taking the 2-1 edge in the series.
The Camels claimed game one of the day behind 6 2/3 innings from Alex Yarem and a 4-for-5 outing from Matthew Barefoot. Yarem (1-0) earned the win in relief after Campbell starter Michael Horrell exited the game in the first, allowing just a run on eight hits with six strikeouts and one walk.
Barefoot went 4-for-5, extending his hit streak to eight games, driving in two and scoring twice in the win. The redshirt freshman singled in two in a four-run sixth for the Camels, who sent nine to the plate during the inning. Barefoot added a double in the eighth, one of six extra-base hits for Campbell.
Kyle Mehl also went 2-for-4 with a home run, his first of the season, and a double. Kevin Barron also homered in the win, notching his first of the season. Zach Minnick went 1-for-3 with a triple and a RBI.
Wes Noble also pitched two scoreless innings in relief, allowing a hit with a strikeout.
Justin Hayden (1-2) took the loss for the Purple Aces, allowing six runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks in five innings. Jimmy Ward also tossed three innings, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts.
Kenton Crews went 3-for-4 with a RBI and a double for Evansville in game one.
In the nightcap, Trey Hair went 2-for-4 with two RBI, a run and a double, leading the Purple Aces to a 6-2 win. Campbell starter Ryan Kirk held UE without a hit until the fourth, retiring the first nine Purple Aces in order before a four-run inning, aided by three Camel miscues.
Campbell threatened in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with one out before a pop out and a strikeout ended the would be rally.
Austin Allinger (2-0) picked up the win for Evansville in relief, pitching a scoreless and hitless inning of relief, striking out and walking one each. UE starter Connor Strain went four innings, allowing a run on three hits with four strikeouts and a walk.
Ryan Brady also tossed three innings, allowing a run on three hits with two punchouts. Brandon Gomer pitched the ninth, striking out and walking two apiece.
Kirk (1-2) was charged with the loss, allowing four runs, three earned, on three hits with four strikeouts in 3 2/3.
Nicholas Rowland went 2-for-3 with a run in the loss, while Drew Butler went 1-for-4, knocking in a run with a base hit in the eighth.
The Camels will continue their homestand Tuesday and Wednesday March 14th and 15th, hosting Rider before heading out on an eight-game road swing.
Photo by Bennett Scarborough
