Cooper Smith delivered a complete game to lead UNC Asheville to a 7-5 victory over Longwood in their Big South Conference series finale. The game featured numerous lead changes, beginning with Longwood's early score in the second inning. Asheville tied it in the third and took the lead in the fourth with a home run from Jake Minarik. The seventh and eighth innings saw Asheville pull ahead for the win, with key contributions from Jake Pereira and Minarik, solidifying the Bulldogs' performance.

By the Numbers
  • Cooper Smith pitched a complete game, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits with 5 strikeouts.
  • Jake Pereira went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
  • Jake Minarik recorded 2 RBIs and hit his fifth home run of the season.
State of Play
  • UNC Asheville remains competitive in the Big South Conference with this victory.
  • The Bulldogs have a solid overall performance, now totaling multiple players contributing to the offense.
What's Next

The Bulldogs are set to face Tennessee on Tuesday (Apr. 14), a challenging matchup against a national power.

Bottom Line

With a blend of solid pitching from Smith and a dynamic offense, UNC Asheville is poised for success as they prepare for their upcoming game against Tennessee. Consistent performance will be crucial for maintaining momentum this season.