Box Score

ELON, N.C. -- The Elon Phoenix baseball team built an early lead and never trailed as it moved to 4-0 on the season with an 8-5 victory over visiting North Carolina A&T on Tuesday afternoon.  The Aggies dropped to 1-3.

Phoenix starter Jim Stokes (1-0) was awarded the victory in his first appearance since June 5, 2010.  Stokes, who was on a limited pitch count, did not allow a run or hit in three innings.

Both Jake Luce (1-for-3, two runs) and Alex Swim (1-for-3) drove in three runs to lead the Phoenix.  Chris Bresnahan (1-for-1) scored three runs.

Already up 2-0 entering the last of the fifth inning, Bresnahan got things started for the Phoenix with a bunt single and went to second on a throwing error.  A two-out walk to Luce, who then swiped second, put two in scoring position for Swim who delivered a two-RBI single to left-center to up the lead to 4-0.

Elon carried its 4-0 edge into the seventh inning when three straight one-out walks loaded the bases for Luce who ripped a triple to the gap in right-center.  He would then score the maroon and gold's final run on a Swim sacrifice fly.

The Aggies made things interesting in the ninth.  A single, hit batter and walk loaded the bases before the first out was recorded.  An Elon error extended the frame and allowed the first A&T run to come across the plate.  With the bags full and two away, Dylan Hipp singled home a run before Marquis Riley doubled to right-center to clear the bases and make it an 8-5 game.

A&T starter Ruben Torrellas (0-1) allowed four runs on three hits in five innings.

Up next for Elon is a trip to two-time defending national champion South Carolina.  The teams are set to begin a three-game series on Friday at 3 p.m.  The games on Friday and Sunday can both be heard on WPCM 920 AM or at elonphoenix.com.