Game 5: #6 Appalachian State 10, #7 Western Carolina 5

Box Score

Photos

Appalachian State (32-26) scored eight runs in the first two innings and went on to defeat Western Carolina (29-28), 10-5, before 657 fans in the second round of the Bennett Hofford Family of Hotels Southern Conference Baseball Championship at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, S.C.

The Mountaineers tallied four runs in the first inning, chasing Catamount starter Corey Martin. Jason Altenhof led off the game with a double and, following a walk to Wes Hobson, David Rubinstein singled to load the bases. Isaac Harrow singled in one run and Jason Rook’s single plated two additional runs. Andrew Franco flied out allowing Harrow to score.

Appalachian State struck again in the third inning. Rubinstein and Harrow singled setting up Jason Wallace’s RBI single down the line. David Towarnicky’s three-run home run gave the Mountaineers an 8-0 advantage after four innings.

Western Carolina struck for one run in the sixth inning. Liles walked and moved to third on Notaro’s single. Barrett Shaft’s single scored Liles for the first Catamount run.

After Appalachian State added two runs in the seventh inning on an RBI by Andrew Franco and Rand Smith drove in another with a sacrifice bunt.

Western Carolina tacked on three runs in the eighth inning. Mitchell Hatley was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a double by Liles. Stephen Notaro tripled to right center to score both runs. Notaro scored on Shaft’s ground out to make the score 10-5.

Appalachian State starter Josh Dowdy (6-6) earned the win allowing seven hits in seven innings while striking out six. Western Carolina's Martin (2-2) absorbed the loss.

Rubinstein had three hits and Towarnicky drove in three runs to pace the Mountaineers while Notaro had three hits and Shaft drove in three runs for the Catamounts.

The Mountaineers will take on the loser of College of Charleston-Furman game. The Catamounts were eliminated from the tournament.