THE BASICS:

• Score: Western Carolina 3, Holy Cross 1
• Records: Western Carolina (6-6); Holy Cross (3-12)
• Pitching Decision: W: Brendan Nail (1-0) | L: Zach Fox (1-3) | S: Tyler Powell (2)
• Location: Cullowhee, N.C. (Hennon Stadium)
• The Lead: Western Carolina designated hitter Reece Strong went 3-for-3 with one run and two RBIs to help lead the Catamounts to a 3-1 victory over Holy Cross in non-conference baseball action on Sunday morning at Hennon Stadium.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Crusaders struck first in the opening frame with a run to gain the 1-0 lead. Holy Cross loaded the bases and sophomore Josh Hassell (Tulsa, Okla.) scored on a groundout. Western Carolina got the second out of the inning on a force play at the plate and retired the final batter on a groundout.
• The Catamounts took the lead in the bottom of the second inning, as Strong drove in Brett Pope on an RBI-single. Western Carolina gained the 2-1 edge on a double by Matt Smith to cash in Strong.
• Western Carolina added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh, as Strong plated Pope on an RBI-double to make the score its final, 3-1.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Catamount starting pitcher Brendan Nail earned the win (1-0), as he went seven innings and allowed one run on five hits. Closer Tyler Powell earned his second save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.
• Holy Cross sophomore starter Zach Fox (Los Gatos, Calif.) was charged with the loss (1-3), as he allowed two runs on five hits in five innings pitched. Fox struck out three batters.
• Western Carolina held the 7-5 edge in total hits and the 2-1 advantage in extra-base hits.
• Hassel was the only Crusader with multiple hits, as he batted 2-for-4.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Holy Cross senior Evan Ocello (Camarillo, Calif.) went 1-for-4 in the contest and extended his hitting streak to 12 games. 

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders return to action on Tuesday, March 10, when they travel to New Britain, Conn. to take on Central Connecticut at 3:30 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED:

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