WINGATE, N.C. - The No. 13 University of Mount Olive baseball team fell to defending National Champion and No. 2 ranked Wingate University 8-5 in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon in Wingate, N.C. UMO goes to 2-2 overall, while Wingate improved to 4-0.

GAME INFORMATION
The Trojans started off the early part of the game in control as Arron Hedgepeth's solo home run put UMO up first in the second. Wingate did not have a response until the third when the Bulldogs brought home three runs to take the lead for the first time.

Unfortunately for Mount Olive the Trojans a comeback was not in the picture as they were unable to draw within less a run for the remainder of the contest, falling 8-5.

TROJAN LEADERS
Jack Casbarro and Hedgepeth led the team with an RBI each.  Joseph Barberio (0-1) was pinned with the loss as he went three and two thirds allowing four runs, two earned, off four hits and struck out three.

WINGATE LEADERS 
Isaiah Williams-Rhem had two RBI to lead the Bulldogs.

KEY STAT
Mount Olive was outhit 9-to-5 and could not force a comeback.

COACH'S COMMENTS
"We played the defending National Champions and failed to play our best. You can't play a team of that caliber and expect to win if you don't play to your potential," said Head Coach Rob Watt.

ON DECK
The Trojans remain on the road to take on Catawba College on February 15 at 3:00 p.m. in Salisbury, N.C.