The Southern Conference baseball series opened on a crisp evening in Asheville, where Western Carolina’s hopes of extending a winning streak were dimmed by a 2-1 defeat to UNC Greensboro.
Carter Burnette turned in a career‑high outing, fanning 12 batters over nine innings, but the Catamounts could not convert his effort into a win.
The decisive blow came in the fourth inning when Jacob Budzik launched a two‑run homer that put the Spartans ahead for good.
Western Carolina left seven runners on base, squandering multiple chances to tie the game, including a late solo shot by Noah Quarless that trimmed the margin to one.
What’s Next for the Catamounts?
Game two of the three‑game set is scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m., giving the team a chance to even the series before the final showdown on Saturday.
Despite the loss, the Catamounts remain 12‑7 in conference play, holding a one‑game edge over Samford and Wofford, while ETSU slipped to fifth at 10‑9.
Coach John Horton’s bullpen work, including a four‑strikeout two‑frame appearance, highlighted a pitching staff that kept the game within reach until the final inning.