Baylor Baseball Dominated by Duke in Series Opener, 20-1

DURHAM, N.C. – Baylor Baseball (2-3) dropped the series opener to Duke (3-2) on Friday afternoon at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 20-1.

The Bears' offense generated only six hits on the afternoon, scored one run and left seven runners on base. 

Senior Blake Helton struggled for the second consecutive weekend and finished the game allowing nine earned runs, nine hits, two walks and three hit batters on 91 pitches. Through two Friday starts, Helton’s ERA currently sits at 14.14.

Duke scored five runs in the second inning, five in the fourth and six in the bottom of the fifth to put the game out of reach.

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Duke’s ace Jonathon Santucci finished Friday allowing 1 ER and threw 50 of his 70 total pitches for strikes.

Freshman Ethan Calder pitched in relief of Helton and allowed six earned runs on 32 pitches. Calder faced nine batters and gave up six hits and walked two.

Transfer RHP Gabe Craig made his BU debut and allowed four earned runs in 0.2 innings pitched.

Baylor’s lone run came on an RBI single from junior catcher Harrison Caley in the top of the second.

Blue Devil’s ace Jonathon Santucci struck out nine Bears in five innings on 70 pitches.

Final: Duke 20 - Baylor 1

W: Jonathon Santucci (2-0) L: Blake Helton (0-1)

WHAT’S NEXT

Baylor Baseball (2-3) continues its series against Duke (3-2) tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.