Seahawks top Camels, earn series split

BUIES CREEK, NC (UNCW) — Casey Golden had three hits and knocked in two runs while the UNCW bullpen combined to allow one run over 8.1 innings as UNCW stormed past Campbell, 9-4, on Wednesday at Jim Perry Stadium.

The Seahawks ran their record to 30-12 with the series-splitting win against the Camels. Campbell dipped to 25-18 with its eighth straight loss.

Justin Crump (1-1) the first of five Seahawk relievers on the night, held the Camels to a run on two hits over 3.1 innings.

Sam Rector (0-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing two runs, one earned, over 1.1 innings for Campbell, who led 3-1 after three innings of play.

Golden raised his average to .312 with the three-hit outing. Steven Linkous had two hits and stole two more bases to move into a tie for ninth on UNCW’s single season list with 25.

Steven Leonard and Seth LaRue had two hits apiece for CU.

Up next: The Seahawks host Delaware in a three-game Colonial Athletic Association series beginning on Friday at Brooks Field. UNCW will play six of its final 10 games of the regular season at Brooks Field beginning with the Delaware series.

How it happened: The Seahawks, who are now 20-8 when their opponent scores first, rallied against CU starter Matt Meyer and Rector in the fourth inning with two runs to draw even. Nick Feight made it 3-2 with a sacrifice fly and Zach Shields tied with a RBI double  one batter later. In the fourth, UNCW took the lead for good on RBI triple by Golden.

Inside the box score: UNCW pitching held Campbell to 2-for-11 with RISP while the Seahawks went 5-for-13 … The Seahawks did not allow a two-out hit after the first inning.

Notes:  UNCW now holds a 78-38-1 record all-time against Campbell … Linkous is tied with Bobby Dale Reynolds for ninth with 25 stolen bases … Linkous has been caught stealing just twice in his last 18 attempts … UNCW improved to 8-6 on the road this season after posting a 9-13 record last season.