Game One Box Score | Game Two Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - Canisius College scored early and often on Friday in sweeping Western Carolina in a nonconference baseball doubleheader at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium. The Golden Griffins took both ends of the twin bill, 15-4, in the opener and 9-0 in the seven-inning night cap. Game three of the first-ever series meeting between the two programs is scheduled for a 2:00 pm first pitch on Saturday afternoon.

Canisius (4-2) pounded out 14 hits and took advantage of six Catamount errors in taking game one, racing out to an 8-0 advantage through the first four innings including a four-run frame in the top of the second. The Golden Griffins pulled away in the final inning with a six-run ninth to provide the final tally.

Three hitters for Canisius posted three-hit games in the opener including 3-for-4 showings by Canice Ejoh and Christ Conley with Ryan Stekl finishing 3-for-6.

In the night cap, Canisius was again strong offensively, finishing with nine runs on 14 hits including five for extra bases with three doubles and a pair of home runs. However, it was the pitching performance of J.P. Stevenson (2-0) who recorded the two-single shutout that shined the brightest. Stevenson struck out six batters while working through the potent Catamount lineup to remain perfect on the season.

Stekl drove in three on a 3-for-5, two-run performance in game two to lead four Golden Griffins with multi-hit games as Liam Wilson, Conner Morro, and Jake Burlingame posted two-hit performances.

Conversely, Western Carolina (1-5) struggled offensively against the Canisius pitching staff, mustering just a .153 team batting average -- or nine combined hits -- though five did go for extra bases including three doubles and two home runs, all in game one. Freshman Justice Bigbie collected three of WCU's nine hits including a double in game one, while redshirt junior Matthew Koehler finished with two hits with one of two Catamount home runs on the day.

Senior catcher Spencer Holcomb -- who caught both ends of the twin bill -- and redshirt sophomore Justin Sparks tallied WCU's other two doubles on the day.

In addition to Friday representing the first meetings between the Catamounts and Golden Griffins on the diamond, several players recorded collegiate firsts. Freshman left-hander Caleb Bishop made his collegiate debut on the mound, tossing three innings with three strikeouts in game one, while redshirt freshman Kitt Capell belted his first career home run with a two-run shot in the ninth inning. Another redshirt freshman, infielder Bo Fricks, tallied his first career hit, lacing one up the middle in a pinch hit role in the nightcap.

WCU starter Tristan Baker (0-2) was saddled with the loss in the opener, surrendering eight runs -- seven earned -- on 10 hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out three against a pair of walks. Junior Michael Davis struck out two against a pair of walks in an inning and two-thirds relief work, only allowing an unearned on two hits. Bishop finished the series opener on the mound.

In the night cap, redshirt junior LHP Taylor Purus (0-2) was tagged with the loss despite striking out a career seven through 3.2 innings. The Hudson, N.C., native allowed eight runs on nine hits while issuing a pair of walks and two HBPs. He gave way to senior RHP Jake Niezen, who tossed a career-long 3.1 innings with a career-best four strikeouts with a walk. Niezen allowed one unearned run, the first marker to score against the San Luis Obispo, Calif., product.

The series will conclude on Saturday afternoon with a 2:00 pm first pitch. Fans can follow the game with live GameTracker online at CatamountSports.com. Freshman RHP Zach Franklin (0.00 ERA, 0-1) is scheduled to start the finale for WCU.

Fans are reminded that they can keep track of any weather-related schedule changes online at CatamountSports.com or through WCU Athletics' social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports) and Twitter (@catamounts or @WCUCatamountBSB).