HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA-In a game with 30 combined hits, it was Lynchburg that came out on top, defeating the Tigers 12-6 in ODAC play Wednesday afternoon. Senior Jeff Gray (Newport News, VA/Menchville) batted in 101st run, tying him with Neal Herndon for most RBI in program history. The Tigers now stand at 10-17-1 overall and 7-8 in the ODAC, while the Hornets improve to 10-17 and 5-7 in conference play.

Lynchburg wasted no time taking a big lead early, knocking in three runs in both the first and second to go up 6-0.

The Tigers on the other hand were quiet for the first two but came alive in third to the tune of four runs on five hits to trim their deficit to two. Jack Elliott (Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair) batted in two with a single, and Gray and John Lloyd (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) each drove in one with a double and single, respectively.

The Tigers were on the verge of striking again in the fifth, loading the bases with one out, but Lynchburg's Brandon Miller forced the double play to keep the score 6-4.

The Hornets extended their lead with two in the top of the sixth, but Hampden-Sydney responded with two runs of its own as Dustin Wiles (Belmont, NC/South Point) batted in Christian Hamlett (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) and Ryan Haynie (Melfa, VA/Nandua) batted in Jackson Rogers (Sterling, VA/Potomac Falls).

Lynchburg had one more big inning, adding four runs on five hits and an error in the eighth to go up 12-6.

Zach Whitaker (Roanoke, VA/Patrick Henry) was the pitcher of decision, allowing six runs on nine hits in 1.2 innings. Teddy West (Lanexa, VA/Warhill) went 5.2 innings, allowing four runs – two earned – on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts. Matt Hinson (Kinston, NC/Arendell Parrott Academy) and Spencer Garrett (Atlanta, GA/Whitefield Academy) combined to throw the final 1.2 innings.

As a team, Hampden-Sydney tallied ten hits. Spencer Wiles (Belmont, NC/South Point), Gray, Elliott, and Rogers all had two hits.

Hampden-Sydney will return to action Saturday, as the Tigers will face Bridgewater in a Saturday double header. First pitch at Bridgewater is set for 12:00 PM.