St. John’s wins CU’s baseball opener

BUIES CREEK — Quality pitching on both sides resulted in a narrow loss for the Campbell baseball team in its season opener as the Camels fell to No. 25 St. John’s, 3-1, on Friday at Jim Perry Stadium.

Campbell (0-1) will look to even the opening series Saturday, Feb. 17, in the second of a three-game set. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.

Red Storm righty Sean Mooney (1-0) was credited with the win, as the Big East Preseason Pitcher of the Year fanned eight Camels and allowed just one earned run over five inning. Gavin Hollowell earned the save, pitching the final one and two-thirds scoreless frames.

Senior right-hander Wes Noble (0-1) retired his first nine batters with three strikeouts over the first three innings. The Lebanon, Ohio, native finished with six strikeouts, one walk and two earned runs.

Wyatt Tyson and Brandon Jenkins also pitched for CU. Tyson collected two strikeouts over one and two-thirds innings, while Jenkins totaled three strikeouts over the final one and one-third in his first college game. Campbell’s pitching staff was efficient as a unit, combining for 11 strikeouts and just one walk.

Bryce Myers and Zach Minnick each posted 2-for-4 outings to lead the Camel offense. Matthew Barefoot (1-for-4), Tyler Anshaw (1-for-4) and Ty Babin (1-for-3) also notched hits for Campbell.

St. John’s (1-0) had three batters turn in multi-hit performances as Luke Stampfl, Anthony Brocato and Matt Woods all finished 2-for-4.

Campbell took a 1-0 lead courtesy of back-to-back doubles by Barefoot and Myers in the bottom of the third. Barefoot knocked a ball to left center for a two-bagger, followed by Myers who sent a ball down the left-field line to drive Barefoot home.

The Red Storm responded with one run apiece in the fifth, sixth and ninth innings. Cleanup hitter Josh Shaw drove in the eventual game-winning run with an RBI double in the top of the sixth.

The Camels threatened a late comeback, placing runners in scoring position in the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings. With two on and no outs in the ninth, a double play all but sealed the win for the Red Storm.

Campbell media services provided this report.