Duke Falls to UNCW in NCAA Opener

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Friday, June 3

Columbia, S.C.

1:00 PM

Duke University

UNC Wilmington

Duke Falls to UNCW in NCAA Opener

6/3/2016 4:59:00 PM | Baseball

BASE vs. UNCW: Player Press Conference BASE vs. UNCW: Pollard Press Conference Photo Gallery Box Score (PDF)

By: Duke Sports Information

COLUMBIA, S.C. – UNCW jumped out to a commanding early lead, defeating Duke 11-1 in the first game of the NCAA Columbia Regional Friday afternoon at Founders Park.

Duke (33-23) had not allowed more than five runs in a game since May 1, but UNCW (40-17) scored six in the second and five in the third to stake a double-digit lead three frames in.

All nine in the Seahawk starting lineup reached base at least once. UNCW went 7-for-12 with runners in scoring position, compared to a 0-for-1 Blue Devil showing. Second baseman Brian Mims led the way with two hits and five RBI, while center fielder Robbie Thorburn and left fielder Steven Linkous knocked in two RBI each.

After Brian McAfee (7-5) needed just eight pitches to work a scoreless first, UNCW struck for six runs on five hits and two walks in the second. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases prior to a Robbie Thorburn RBI base knock scoring the game's opening run. McAfee got Kennard McDowell looking, but Steven Linkous worked a walk and Brian Mims and Gavin Stupienski knocked back-to-back doubles.

McAfee had worked at least 5.0 innings in each of his previous 26 starts, but exited in the third with two men aboard. Over 2.0 innings, McAfee was charged with eight runs on seven hits and two walks.

UNCW loaded the bases again with no outs to start the third, beginning what turned into a five-run frame. A two-out, three-run double for Mims did the bulk of the damage.

Ryan Foster (13-1) did not allow a Blue Devil hit until the fifth. Allowed one run on six hits in his third career complete game.

In the sixth, Chris Proctor's second triple of the season turned into Duke's first run after Jack Labosky lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

Junior Bailey Clark took the mound in the fourth and pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in relief, facing one over the minimum. Clark allowed one hit and fanned four.

Next up, Duke faces the loser of tonight's game between South Carolina and Rhode Island Saturday at 12 p.m., from Founders Park.

#GoDuke