CLINTON, S.C. - Emory Guilford hit two game-winning home runs for the Presbyterian College baseball team (2-0), helping the Blue Hose start the year with two 8-6 victories over Akron at the PC Baseball Complex.
GAME ONE (7 INNINGS)
Final Score: Presbyterian 8, Akron 6
W: Jeremiah Hampton (1-0) | L: Taylor Bednar (0-1) | S: None
GAME TWO (9 INNINGS)
Final Score: Presbyterian 8, Akron 6
W: Bauer Burkart (1-0) | L: Josiah Ross (0-1) | S: Braiden Eagen (1)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game One
- The Zips came out hot out of the gate, hitting a home run in the second at-bat of the game. Akron scored two more later in the inning to open the game with a 3-0 lead.
- The offense got going for the Blue Hose in the bottom of the second. Guilford started the inning with a base hit before the Blue Hose tacked on two runs to close the gap to just one through two innings.
- Jonathan Williams recorded the first hit of his collegiate career, doubling to start the third inning. Amman Dewberry tied the game right after, singling Williams in.
- The Zips went back ahead in the top of the fifth, scoring on a home run. In the bottom of the inning, Presbyterian immediately responded. Dewberry stayed hot, logging his second hit of the day to bring home Brody Linker.
- In crunch time, Brody Chrisman hit his second homer of the day to open the seventh inning for Akron. The Zips poured on another run on a fielder's choice to grab a 6-4 advantage.
- Down to their final chance, Dewberry came up clutch again, singling in Williams to pull Presbyterian within one. After a strikeout and down to its last out, Guilford smashed a three-run walk-off home run to end the game and secure a dramatic come-from-behind win for PC.
- Jeremiah Hampton earned the win for PC, while Taylor Bednar recorded the loss.
Game Two
- Jonathan Williams opened the scoring for Presbyterian in game two, slugging his first career collegiate home run in his first at-bat. in the bottom of the first. Caden Mason doubled home Dewberry later in the inning, allowing PC to jump out to a 2-0 lead.
- In the top of the third, the Zips responded to tie the game at two apiece following three hits in the inning.
- The Zips retook the lead in the top of the fourth, going up 3-2 on a double. Akron later extended the lead to 5-2 in the top of the fifth. However, the Blue Hose were able to strand the bases loaded to stay in the game.
- Presbyterian chipped into the lead in the bottom of the sixth, scoring on a Nick Smith walk with the bases loaded. However, the Zips were able to escape the jam.
- The floodgates opened for the Blue Hose in the seventh inning. Bo Moody started the inning with a base knock before Dewberry hit a triple to score him. Mason singled before Guilford launched a go-ahead two-run home run to put the Blue Hose up 7-5 and blow the game open. Moody walked with the bases loaded later in the inning to give PC an insurance run.
- Akron scored one more run in the top of the 8th, but Braiden Eagen held the fort down for Presbyterian, earning the save in the ninth.
GAME ONE NOTABLES
- Amman Dewberry recorded his second career four-hit game, going 4-for-4 at the plate. His other four-hit performance came at UNC Asheville on Mar. 29, 2025. He also had three RBIs against the Zips.
- Emory Guilford posted three hits and three RBIs in his PC debut, also hitting a walk-off three-run home run.
- Jonathan Williams logged two hits in his collegiate debut.
- Tyrell Williams started opening day for PC, pitching 2.2 innings.
- Robbie Boykin pitched 3.1 innings in relief, striking out four.
- Jeremiah Hampton took home the win, his first in his career.
GAME TWO NOTABLES
- Bo Moody made his collegiate debut, recording a hit and an RBI.
- Bauer Burkart was dominant on the mound, giving up just one hit in his first career appearance for PC in 2.1 innings.
- Kyle Mueller made his 15th career start on the mound.
- Braiden Eagen logged his first career save for Presbyterian in his Blue Hose debut.
- Caden Mason recorded two RBIs, the first of his PC career.
- Guilford hit his second homer of the day, putting PC up in the 7th inning.
UP NEXT
The Blue Hose will play another doubleheader against Akron on Saturday (Feb. 14). First pitch of game one will be at 2:00 p.m.
