WILMINGTON – Despite strong extra-inning pitching performances from Tommy Mitchell and Kehler Hamilton, Elon dropped its series opener at UNCW, 8-7, in 16 innings Friday night at Brooks Field.

The Phoenix and Seahawks battled through six scoreless extra innings before UNCW drew a walk-off walk in the bottom of the 16th.

Mitchell and Hamilton combined to deliver clutch relief outings late in the game. Mitchell tossed three no-hit innings in extras and struck out a career-high five batters. Hamilton struck out four over 3.1 innings and retired eight consecutive hitters during one stretch.

Henry Akopov and Brian DuRoff each recorded multi-hit games for Elon. Akopov notched his first career extra-base hit, while DuRoff drove in two runs and has now recorded an RBI in four consecutive games.

Elon fell to 9-8 overall and 2-2 in Coastal Athletic Association play, while UNCW improved to 12-6 overall and 1-0 in conference action.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UNCW took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single.
• After allowing the opening run, Elon starter Brian Strange settled in and retired six straight Seahawks.
• UNCW added another run in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly to extend its lead to 2-0.
• Elon answered with six runs in the top of the fifth inning. Jackson Alford drove in the Phoenix's first run with an RBI single before Brian DuRoff followed with a two-run single to give Elon the lead. Jose Mariano added a two-run RBI to continue the rally, and Gavin Bogdanchik capped the inning with an RBI to give Elon a 6-2 advantage.
• The Seahawks began their comeback in the seventh inning, scoring two runs off Strange and another against Sam Nomura.
• UNCW added a run in the eighth inning and tied the game with another run in the bottom of the ninth.
• After six scoreless extra innings, the Seahawks pushed across the winning run on a walk-off walk in the 16th inning.

 
QUICK HITS

• The 16-inning game marked Elon's longest contest since a 16-inning game against Bryant in 2019.
• It was Elon's longest conference game since an 18-inning victory over Samford in 2012.
• Tommy Mitchell threw three no-hit innings in extra innings and struck out a career-high five.
• Brian Strange allowed four runs over six innings with five strikeouts and earned a no-decision. He now has 34 strikeouts this season.
• Kehler Hamilton struck out four in 3.1 innings of relief.
• Brian DuRoff recorded a multi-hit, multi-RBI game and now leads Elon with 15 RBI this season.
• Henry Akopov posted a multi-hit game from the nine spot and recorded his first career extra-base hit.
• Jackson Alford extended his hitting streak to eight games and has scored a run in five straight.
• Jose Mariano recorded his fourth multi-RBI game of the season.

 
UP NEXT
Elon returns to action Saturday for game two of the weekend series. First pitch from Wilmington is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
 
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