Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director

MARION, N.C. - The Brevard College Tornados Baseball team (3-9, 0-5 USAS) fell in a Saturday afternoon doubleheader against the Battling Bishops of N.C. Wesleyan (7-3, 3-2 USAS) at Big League Camp in Marion, N.C. 

The Battling Bishops used high-octane offensive explosions in both contests to complete the three-game weekend sweep over the Tornados. 

GAME ONE

Both teams battled tight through the first five innings before N.C. Wesleyan exploded for 12 runs in the game's last four innings, including a five-run sixth inning to claim a comfortable 14-1 triumph. 

Junior Kross Robinson (0-3, 8.82 ERA) took the mound to start for Brevard in the front end of Saturday's twin bill, lasting five innings. Robinson let up six runs on 10 hits, only allowing two runs until a big sixth inning for the Battling Bishops. Robinson fanned six N.C. Wesleyan batters on the afternoon, bringing his team-leading strikeout total to 23. 

The Battling Bishops benefited from a pitching gem on their own mound, as starter J.D. Makauskas (1-1) hurled seven innings of shutout ball, only allowing two hits while amassing eight strikeouts. 

The Tornados left 10 runners on base total compared to NCWC's eight. The Battling Bishops turned three double plays in the contest. 

NCWC's firepower showed in bundles in the first game, as the squad recorded 22 hits, which included eight doubles. 

Jack Atkinson, Josh Van Liew, and Jacob Bass each provided a pinch-hitting spark for the Tornados. Each player picked up a hit, while Van Liew scored the only run of the day for BC.

GAME TWO

Fellow junior Bryce Foster (1-1, 6.00 ERA) got the nod for the back end of the doubleheader on the mound for the Tornados, overcoming a rough first inning to complete five frames. Foster let up all of his four earned runs in the first inning, which included a three-run homer hit by NCWC's Logan Andrews. Foster bounced back, striking out four Battling Bishops in the process. 

Another NCWC hurler enjoyed a dominant outing, as Drew Tubb (1-0) picked up his first victory of 2019 with an impressive complete-game. eight-innings of shutout ball, despite surrendering seven hits. Tubb went the distance, totaling just 79 pitches in a very efficient outing. 

Andrews' homer gave NCWC a 4-0 advantage. Foster limited the damage through five frames, but the Battling Bishops tagged up the Tornado bullpen for a huge seven-run sixth inning followed by two more runs in the eighth that pushed the Battling Bishops over the 12-run threshold. N.C. Wesleyan claimed the series sweep with a 13-0 final in eight innings. 

Brevard made better contact than game one in the second contest, posting seven hits. Johnny Flynn led the Tornados with a 2-for-3 outing, while Van Liew recorded the only extra-base hit of the day for Brevard with a double, his first career collegiate double. 

NCWC's defense proved once again strong, turning four double plays in game two. 

Brevard will look to rebound as it heads back to the confines of Gil Coan Field in Brevard, N.C. on Wednesday, March 6 for a midweek non-conference bout against Emory & Henry (2-7), with first pitch set for a 2 p.m. matinee.

To follow along with all the latest news and updates surrounding Brevard College Athletics, please follow the Tornados on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados, subscribe to 'Brevard College Tornados'' on YouTube, follow 'Brevard College Tornados' on SoundCloud, or like Brevard College Athletics on Facebook.

-30-