The Gardner-Webb baseball squad put the finishing touches on their 2026 schedule on May 16, delivering a 9-2 victory over Presbyterian in a home matchup that underscored the team’s depth and resilience.
A five-run burst in the third inning turned a modest early lead into a commanding advantage, with Thad Ector, Kelvin Agosto, Ryan Kennell and Zack Thompson each delivering timely hits that drove in the runs.
The momentum carried into the fifth frame, where Merik Carter launched his 11th solo home run of the season, extending the gap before Presbyterian answered with a two-run shot from Amman Dewberry later that inning.
Matt Stuart earned the win on the mound, scattering two runs over five innings while striking out two, after which a disciplined bullpen of Josh Gentile, Colby Humphries, Devin Pressley and Jack Iannibelli combined for four consecutive scoreless innings.
Standout performances
Kelvin Agosto was the offensive catalyst, finishing 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a run scored, while Carter’s 2-for-5 effort added two RBIs and a home run to the tally.
Zack Thompson contributed two RBIs, and Ryan Kennell’s timely hitting helped fuel the third‑inning explosion. On the pitching side, Stuart’s five‑inning outing set the stage for the relievers to preserve the lead.
The win not only capped the season at a satisfying finish but also highlighted the depth of Gardner-Webb’s roster, with multiple players delivering multi‑hit performances and the bullpen maintaining a shutout over the final stretch.