JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The William & Mary baseball team had its three-run advantage erased by a late East Tennessee State push, resulting in an 8-6 setback during the series finale on Saturday afternoon at Thomas Stadium.
 
With the loss, the Tribe falls to 18-19, while the Bucs improve to 18-15.
 
Senior Charles Ameer and junior Cullen Large led the Green and Gold with a home run each. Large finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Ameer was 1-for-3 and drove in three runs. Senior Ryder Miconi posted two hits, and junior Ryan Hall hit a double to go along with a plated run.
 
The Tribe claimed the first lead of the afternoon behind a pair of runs in the top of the first. Three straight singles scored the first run, and Large belted an RBI double to left center for a 2-1 advantage.
 
The Bucs answered with three combined runs in the home half of the first and second inning. Christian Bailey plated the first run on a RBI single through the left side. In the second, Chris Cook registered a two-run homer to left center, giving the Bucs a 3-2 lead.
 
However, W&M sparked a two-out rally in the top of the third to reclaim the lead. Sophomore Hunter Smith reached base on a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Redshirt sophomore Kyle Wrighte drew another walk to set Ameer up for three-run blast to left center. Ameer's team-best sixth home run put the Tribe up 5-3.
 
The Tribe scored again for a three-run lead in the top of the seventh. Large led off the frame with his fourth home run of the season, creating a 6-3 affair in favor of the Green and Gold.
 
Nonetheless, the Bucs returned the favor with their own solo shot by Caleb Longley. The dinger cut the deficit to 6-4.
 
The Bucs continued to rally after manufacturing a four-run eighth inning to take the lead. Aaron Maher drove in the first run, before Bailey hit a RBI single through the right side. Longley capped the rally with a two-RBI double down the right field line.
 
In the top of the ninth, Miconi led off with a walk, but Large flied out the center field and Hall grounded into a double play.
 
Nick Brown (3-4) was attributed with the loss as he surrendered five runs on five hits in two innings of relief. Aaron Maher (2-0) held the Tribe hitless in his one inning of relief for the win, while Chris Cook closed the game for the save.

The Tribe conclude its six-game road stretch at in-state foe Richmond on Tuesday, April 18th at 3 p.m., before returning to Plumeri Park for another mid-week game against Maryland on Wednesday, April 19^th at 6:00 p.m.