ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Freshman Kyle Schofield blasted his first career home run, a three-run shot in the sixth inning, but the Captains suffered a 6-3 setback on the road Friday afternoon falling to 24th-ranked North Carolina Wesleyan (9-2). A modest four-game winning streak was snapped for the Christopher Newport baseball team, which fell to 5-2 on the season. 

The first nationally-ranked opponent of the 2021 season jumped on the Captains early, taking a 5-0 lead after two innings of play. The Christopher Newport pitching staff all but silenced the Battling Bishops the rest of the way, allowing just a solo home run in the fifth, but the Captains offense could not rally for enough to come from behind and win. 

Freshman reliever Colby Shriner did the yeoman's share of the work after starter Dylan Weber (0-1) exited the game. Shriner was making just the second appearance of his collegiate career and quickly quieted the bats over 5.0 innings pitched. He allowed just one walk his first time through the order, retiring nine of eleven batters he faced between the third, fourth, and fifth innings. 

Shriner struck out a pair, walked two, and allowed three hits in his relief appearance while keeping the Captains in the game. A solo home run from Davie Morgan was the only blemish on an otherwise superb showing out the pen. 

In the top of the sixth, Christopher Newport showed some life against N.C. Wesleyan starter Derrick Carter (2-0). With one out, Jonathan Fisher reached on an error and then moved up 90 feet on a single into left field by Eric O'Brien. That would set up the at-bat for Schofield, who smashed a 1-1 pitch over the wall for his first career round-tripper. The three-run home run cut the lead in half, 6-3, with three innings left to play. 

Unfortunately, it would be all the scoring the Captains could muster as Carter allowed a leadoff double to start the seventh but then escaped his final inning without further damage. Then, Kevin Williams tossed two scoreless frames for the save. 

In relief of Shriner, junior Nathan Clements came on to pitch the eighth inning for the Captains. He continued his strong start to the season by striking out one and working around a single hit to keep N.C. Wesleyan off the board. 

Schofield was 2-for-3 in the game with 3 RBI and one run scored, accounting for all of the Captains offense. Jay Cassady added a two-hit performance while O'Brien, Conner Clark, and Scott Crosson each added one hit apiece.

Christopher Newport will return to action on Sunday, March 14 as they host No. 11 Randolph-Macon College at Captains Park. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and fans unable to attend under the Captains Outdoor Spectator Policy can view the game online with live stats and a live video webcast.