UNCW falls short against defending national champs

CONWAY, SC (COURTESY UNCWSPORTS.COM) — Kevin Woodall had two hits and drove in two runs as Coastal Carolina benefitted from 10 walks as the Chanticleers beat UNCW, 13-2, on Wednesday at Springs Brooks Stadium.

The Chanticleers raised their record to 16-10 with the loss while the Seahawks remained winless on the road at 0-4 and dipped to 11-12 overall.

Coastal Carolina finished with just six hits, but took advantage of UNCW’s wildness on the mound, which also included three hit batters.

CCU starter Anthony Veneziano (2-1) earned the win.

UNCW starter Zarion Sharpe (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three runs over two innings.

Nick Feight had three hits in extending his hitting streak to seven games. Casey Golden had two hits including a home run and Daniel Stack, who also had two hits, added his first round tripper of the season.

Up next: The Seahawks return to conference play this weekend when they visit the College of Charleston. The series opens with a 6 p.m. start on Friday and Saturday’s game has been moved to a 4 p.m. first-pitch. Sunday remains a 1 p.m. start.

How it happened: The Chanticleers jumped on Sharpe and the Seahawks for three runs in the first inning. Woods Myers opened the scoring with a RBI single and Dalton Ewing’s two-run double highlighted the frame for CCU.

Home Runs: UNCW: Stack (off Veneziano in the second inning, leadoff); Golden (off Veneziano in the fifth inning, bases empty, one out); CCU: Skeels (off Magestro in the seventh inning, leadoff)

Inside the box score: UNCW’s 10 walks were a season-high and it tied a season-high with three hit batters … UNCW stranded 10 runners on base.

Notes: Casey Golden extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a first inning single and later recorded his 200th career hit with a homer in the fifth inning … Tonight was the fifth consecutive loss for the Seahawks against Coastal Carolina.