WEST CHESTER DOWNS SHEPHERD, 9-5

INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- Shepherd University dropped a 9-5 decision to West Chester in first round action of the NCAA II North Atlantic Regional Baseball Tournament at Cal Bailey Field on Friday morning.

Trailing 4-2 in the fifth inning, the Golden Rams erupted for five runs to pull away for the win. Two-run homers by Mark Gilliford and Nate Guers and a solo blast by Brett Wallace accounted for all the runs.

Wallace led West Chester with a 4-for-5 outing. Guers and Matt Cotellese each added a pair of hits.

Senior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS) went 2-for-2 with three walks to pace the Rams. Senior shortstop Nicky Brown (Falling Waters, WV/ Hedgesville HS/Potomac State) added two hits and a pair of RBIs. Freshman third baseman Andrew McCormick (Stephens City, VA/Sherando HS) added a two-run homer.

Sophomore reliever Josh Bowers (Williamsport, MD/Williamsport HS) took the loss. West Chester starter Frank Gailey improved to 8-3.

Shepherd falls to 34-17, while West Chester improves to 35-17. The Rams will face West Virginia State later this afternoon, while West Chester will play Kutztown.

Box Score