Newport News, Va. -- On the strength of an eighth-inning three-run home run from Avery Neaves, University of Lynchburg's baseball team defeated Christopher Newport University, 4-1, on the road Wednesday afternoon.

In the top of the eighth inning, junior Garrett Jackson reached on a fielder's choice after Dylan Fisher was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Kinston Carson then singled through the right side to put Hornets on first and second. With the game knotted up at 1-1, Neaves stepped in the box and pulled a Matt Gaither breaking ball down the left field line, keeping it just inside the foul pole to put Lynchburg up 4-1. 

The Hornets (8-7) fell behind early as the Captains' Eric O'Brien drove home Ethan Weaver in the third inning to take a 1-0 advantage. 

The Hornets responded in the top half of the fifth as Avery Combs and Gavin Collins had back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. Two batters later, with two outs, Ryan Long drove home Combs with a single to knot the game up at 1-1.

In the bottom half of the fifth, the Captains (5-4) threatened to take the lead as Hornets' pitching allowed the hosts to load the bases with nobody out. Adam Dofflemyer came on in relief of starter Wes Arrington and was able to get out of the jam unscathed. 

In the bottom of the eighth, senior Grayson Thurman came out of the Lynchburg bullpen and struck out the side in order. In the ninth, the Captains once again loaded the bases on a walk and two singles, but Thurman pitched out of the jam and held on to earn the six-out save. 

Lynchburg pitching shut down the CNU offense as four Hornet pitchers held the Captains to a lone run on seven total hits and struck out 11. Jack Bachmore threw two scoreless innings as the sophomore allowed one hit and struck out four to earn the win. 

Lynchburg baseball will be back on the road this weekend as the Hornets travel to Washington and Lee University for an Old Dominion Athletic Conference doubleheader with the Generals. First pitch is set for noon. 

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--LYN--