UNCG 9, College of Charleston 6
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - UNC Greensboro scored seven runs in the top of the ninth inning, erasing a 6-2 deficit and handed the College of Charleston a 9-6 defeat in Southern Conference action Sunday afternoon at Patriots Point. UNCG takes the weekend series and improves to 27-18 and 16-8 in the SoCon, while the Cougars fall to 31-17, 15-9 in the league.
Charleston jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring single runs in the first two innings. With two outs, redshirt-junior 3B Matt Leeds (Boca Raton, Fla.) walked on four pitches, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a RBI single by redshirt-freshman RF Daniel Aldrich (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.). A solo home run down the left-field line by junior SS Jamie Holler (Rock Hill, S.C.) gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead in the second.
UNCG plated a run in the third to cut the Cougars' lead to 2-1 on a RBI double by Trevor Edwards and knotted the game at 2-2 in the seventh on a RBI groundout by Cody Walker.
The Cougars opened up a 6-2 lead with four runs in the seventh to put the game seemingly in hand. Redshirt-junior LF Jose Rodriguez (Hialeah, Fla.) led off the frame with a solo home run to left, jumping on the first pitch by UNCG reliever Jarett Miller. Junior 2B Rob Harding (Columbia, S.C.) hit an infield single and redshirt-senior pinch-hitter Ryan Daniels (Victoria, Texas) lined a RBI double to right center to plate Harding. Holler drew a walk and junior 1B Marty Gantt (N. Augusta, S.C.) was hit by a pitch to load the bases for redshirt-junior DH Rob Kral (Randolph, N.J.), who roped a two-run single through the right side for a four-run lead.
The wheels came off for the Cougars in the ninth as UNCG sent 11 batters to the plate in the final inning, scoring seven runs on six hits and an error. With senior RHP Robert Jeroszko (Greenville, S.C.) on the mound in relief, Ray Crawford led off with a single and Thomas Troelstrup reached on an error by Holler at short. After a groundout moved the runners ahead one base, Walker ripped a two-run double down the left-field line to cut the Cougars' lead to 6-4. A RBI double to left by Zach Leach cut the deficit to one and a RBI groundout by Drew Gehringer knotted the game at 6-6 with two outs and a runner at third. A walk to Eric Brindle put runners at the corners and Ray Quinones knocked a RBI double down the left-field line to give UNCG a 7-6 lead. Junior RHP Kyle Owings (Gilbert, S.C.) came in to pitch and gave up a two-run single to Crawford for a 9-6 Spartan lead.
Jeroszko took the loss for the Cougars, allowing seven runs - two earned - on five hits and a walk in 1-2/3 innings. Aldrich finished with three hits for Charleston and Kral added a pair of RBIs. Sophomore starter Christian Powell (Greenwood, S.C.) tossed seven strong innings for the Cougars, scattering five hits and giving up two runs with five strikeouts.
Charleston returns to action with a non-conference midweek game against The Citadel on Tuesday, May 10, at Patriots Point. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
The Spartans will travel to High Point on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in their final midweek game of the season.
Appalachian State 10, Western Carolina 9
BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University baseball jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and held on for a 10-9 victory over Western Carolina on Sunday afternoon at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.
Combined with Saturday's 10-5 win, Appalachian (28-19, 12-11 SoCon) clinched a three-game series victory over archrival WCU (17-26-1, 7-16 SoCon). The Mountaineers will go for their first-ever three-game sweep over the Catamounts when the teams meet in the series finale on Monday at 1 p.m. at Smith Stadium.
ASU exploded out of the gates on Sunday, scoring five runs in the first inning, four in the second and one more in the third to grab the commanding 10-0 lead. The Mountaineers sent 17 batters to the plate and banged out nine hits in the first two stanzas alone. A two-run double by Will Callaway (Greenville, S.C./Eastside) highlighted the five-run first and a two-run home run by Trey Holmes (Rockwell, N.C./East Rowan) and two-run double by Preston Troutman (Rockwell, N.C./East Rowan) accounted for all of the scoring in the second. Jack Myers (Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park) capped the 10-run outburst with an RBI groundout in the third.
WCU slowly chipped away at the deficit with three runs in the fourth, one in the fifth, three in the sixth, one in the seventh and one in the ninth. The Catamounts brought the go-ahead run to the plate with one out in the ninth but Appalachian closer Taylor Miller (Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield) struck out pinch-hitter Cody Jones and got Luke Gragg to softly line out to shortstop to seal what turned out to be a nail-biting victory.
All but one member of ASU's starting lineup had at least one hit and five Mountaineers recorded multiple hits, led by Holmes (2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) and Troutman (2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI). Callaway, Myers and Hector Crespo (Miami, Fla./Florida Christian) also had two hits apiece and each doubled to help pace Appalachian's 13 hit attack. Myers and Crespo extended their respective hitting streaks to 17 and 12 games with the two-hit efforts.
For the second day in a row, ASU's starting pitcher labored, as Nathan Hyatt (Brevard, N.C./Brevard) needed 110 pitches to get through five innings. The right-handed sophomore allowed just five hits and struck out four but walked six and allowed six runs (five earned) in his shortest start since March 16. Despite his struggles, Hyatt earned the win to even his record at 5-5 on the season. Miller struck out four over the final two innings of the ballgame to register his 10th save of the campaign.
The Mountaineers tagged WCU freshman Jordan Smith (5-6) for seven runs on seven hits over an inning-plus to saddle the right-hander with the loss.
Left fielder Cameron Dullnig went 4-for-4 with a double, home run, two runs and three RBI to lead the Catamounts offensively.
Elon 8, The Citadel 6 (12 inn.)
Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel Baseball team was unable to hold a 5-3 lead with two outs in the top of the ninth on Sunday afternoon at Riley Park as Elon battled back to sweep the three-game series in an 8-6 victory in 12 innings.
The Bulldogs were swept at home for the first time ever by Elon (33-18, 21-6) as the two teams went into extra innings for the fourth time in the past two seasons. It is the third time The Citadel (20-27, 8-16) has been swept this season in conference and the second time at home. The 16 league losses are tied for the most in school history, set in the 2005 season.
With a series victory over Georgia Southern, Wofford has moved into a tie with the Bulldogs for eighth place, while Western Carolina sits just a half game behind The Citadel with a conference game against Appalachian State still to go on Monday. The Bulldogs' SoCon record of 6-9 in 2011 is the first time The Citadel has finished with a losing conference record at home since they have moved to Riley Park in 1997.
After holding a 5-3 lead and getting the first two outs of the ninth inning, the Bulldogs ran into trouble when Niko Fraser singled to right past the glove of first baseman Justin Mackert (Cleveland, Ohio) off Bulldog starter Austin Pritcher (Charleston, S.C.). Jake Luce then singled to put two runners aboard and was replaced by pinch runner Eric Serra. A base hit by Sebastian Gomez to center would then plate Fraser and Serra came into score all the way from first when William Ladd's (Winnsboro, S.C.) throw went off course and Drew DeKerlegand (Pearland, Texas) was unable to corral the ball.
New pitcher Jeremy Long (Clover, S.C.) surrendered a base hit to Neal Pritchard up the middle to score Gomez, who moved all the way to third on the error to give Elon a 6-5 lead heading to the bottom of the ninth. Down to their final out, Brad Felder (Bowman, S.C.) lined his sixth homer of the season and 18th of his career off the left field foul pole against Elon closer Mitch Conner to knot the game at 6-6.
The Bulldogs would threaten with runners on second and third in the bottom of the 10th, but Conner struck out Legare Jones (Columbia, S.C.) to end the threat. In the 12th inning, Alex Swim reached on a high chopper over the head of Long. Pinch hitter Seth Canipe then reached on a fielder's choice when DeKerlegand was unable to get the lead runner at second and Garrett Koster was then hit by Long to load the bases. New reliever TJ Clarkson (Coral Springs, Fla.) walked Ben Scott on four pitches to score Swim and a sac fly to center by Harry Austin plated Canipe to give Elon an 8-6 lead.
Elon reliever Jared Kernodle picked up his first save of the season as he set down the Bulldogs in order in the bottom of the 12th. David Whitehead (5-1) picked up the win after throwing a scoreless 11th inning with a strikeout. Long (4-3) took the loss, allowing three hits, two runs and a walk in 2.2 innings of work.
The Citadel took an early lead in the game for the second day in a row when Mackert doubled in the bottom of the second and scored on a double down the left field line by Grant Richards (Morrisville, N.C.), who was one of eight Bulldog seniors honored before the game.
Elon would take the lead in the top of the third off Pritcher when Scott singled and Fraser reached on a fielder's choice. A double down the left field line by Luce and a two-run single to left by Gomez would put the Phoenix in front, 3-1.
The Bulldogs would tie the game in the bottom of the third off Elon starter Dylan Clark when Josh Pless (Boiling Springs, S.C.) singled and Nick Orvin (Mocks Corner, S.C.) walked to put two aboard. After a throwing error by catcher Ryan Kinsella put the runners on second and third, Felder grounded out to first as Pless came in to score and Orvin would score on a wild pitch by Clark, who went 5.0 innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, three walks and struck out four.
An RBI single by Mackert would score Felder from second in the bottom of the fifth to give the Bulldogs the lead and Richards extended it in the sixth when he hit his first homer of the season and second of his career off the top of the wall in left field on a solo shot to make it 5-3.
Pritcher did not receive a decision after hurling a career-high 8.2 innings, allowing 10 hits, six runs (five earned), one walk and struck out four. Richards and Felder each went 2-for-5 with two RBI to lead the Bulldogs on offense. Ladd reached base for the 22nd consecutive game while Felder extended his hitting-streak to 17 games and the Bulldogs tallied double-digit hits for the 13th time in their last 17 games. Gomez went 3-for-6 with two RBI and a run scored to lead Elon.
"Pritcher exceeded expectations for us and got stronger as the game went on after taking ill on Saturday," said head coach Fred Jordan. "Elon is a very good team right now. They are getting timely hits, getting the leadoff walk and really playing the game smart. Our guys really gave it everything they had all weekend and especially today and we just weren't fortunate enough to come out on top."
The Citadel begins a stretch where eight of their final nine games of the season are on the road beginning Tuesday as the Bulldogs trek across town to face rival College of Charleston at 6 p.m. at Patriots Point in a non-conference matchup.
The league-leading Phoenix visits Old Dominion Tuesday night at 6 p.m. prior to taking an eight-day break.
Wofford 11, Georgia Southern 3
STATESBORO, Ga. - A 10-run first inning powered Wofford (21-27, 8-16) to a series victory over Georgia Southern (27-21, 14-10, 11-3 at J.I. Clements Stadium. The Terriers scored the 10 runs on five hits, three walks and two hit batters. Georgia Southern got a run back in the bottom half of the inning before both pitching staffs settled down for five scoreless innings.
Brandon Yarusi had a fine day on the mound for Wofford, allowing three runs on five hits over eight innings. Yarusi (W, 1-4) earned his first win of the season after facing 33 batters on 99 pitches. John Cornely pitched a scoreless final frame to close the book on the Eagles.
Joe Lower (West Palm Beach, Fla.) was unable to get out of the first inning in his third start of the year for GSU. Lower (L, 0-2) allowed seven runs on three hits and two walks and recorded just one out in the first inning. Matt Murray (Spring City, Pa.) threw six innings in relief and retired 12 straight after some early issues. Murray was tagged with three earned runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked two batters on 99 pitches.
Victor Roache (Ypsilanti, Mich.) drove in all three Georgia Southern runs. Roache grounded out to third base to drive in Shawn Payne (Stone Mountain, Ga.), who reached on an error to lead off the first, and sliced a fly ball around the foul pole for his 24th home run of the season in the eighth inning.
The Eagles were held to just five hits in the game with Eric Phillips (Carrollton, Ga.) leading the way with two. Michael Burruss (Marietta, Ga.) singled with one-out in the eighth inning before the Roache long ball for the only back-to-back hits for GSU.
After the early 10-run cushion, Wofford scored only one more run the rest of the game. In the seventh inning, an unearned run crossed the plate on a failed double play attempt when the throw by the shortstop sailed into left field.
Georgia Southern had a prime opportunity to cut into the Terriers' lead in the third inning after the first two batters reached base. After a single by Ben Morgan (Evans, Ga.) and a walk by Stryker Brown (Dalton, Ga.), the top of the order came to the plate with no outs, but three-straight outs ended the inning.
The Eagles return to action this weekend with the conclusion of a seven-game homestand and the 2011 home slate at J.I. Clements Stadium. GSU squares off with Davidson in a doubleheader on Friday starting at 3 p.m. and a single game on Monday at 4 p.m.
Wofford next visits Samford Friday in the opening game of a three-game SoCon series. Game one's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. ET in Birmingham, Ala.
Samford 5, SIU Edwardsville 2
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Samford baseball team earned a 5-2 non-conference win over SIU Edwardsville in the final game of a three-game series Sunday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
With the win, Samford improves to 29-19 on the season. SIU Edwardsville falls to 20-24. Samford takes the series from the Cougars, two games to one.
Samford pitcher Josh Martin (4-1) pitched 6.0 innings giving up no runs on seven hits to earn the win. Martin struck out five batters while allowing no walks. Andrew Jones tied a Samford single-season record with his 11th save of the season. Jones pitched the final inning, allowing no runs on one hit. The 11 saves ties the school record set by Joseph Edens in 2006, and tied by Edens in 2007 and Lex Rutledge in 2010.
For Samford at the plate, Brad Moss and Kevin Putkonen each went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Saxon Butler hit his eighth home run of the season and drove in two runs in a 1-for-4 performance. Gary Cramer also drove in a run for Samford in the win.
SIU Edwardsville's Jake Stauffenberg (0-1) pitched 4.0 innings, giving up five runs, only three earned, on six hits to take the loss for the Cougars. Mike Swinnen led the Cougars at the plate, going 3-for-4. Chase Green went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Mitch Matecki went 2-for-5 for SIUE.
Samford jumped out to a 5-0 lead with a run in each of the first three innings and two runs in the fourth inning.
In the first inning, Michael Johnson walked to lead off the inning and then moved to second base on a single by Moss. With one out in the inning, Phillip Ervin walked to load the bases. Putkonen then flied out to right field to drive in Johnson for the game's first run.
With one out in the second inning, Tyler Filliben singled to center field to get things started. Filliben then advanced to second base on a wild pitch. With two out in the inning, Moss singled to left field to drive in Filliben for a 2-0 Samford lead.
Ervin led the third inning off with a single down the left-field line and then he advanced to second base on a Cougar error. Ervin then advanced to third base on a bunt single by Putkonen. Cramer then flied out to left field to drive in Ervin for a three-run Samford lead.
In the fourth inning, Johnson reached base on an error and then stole second base to lead off the inning. Johnson moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Moss. Butler then homered to right field to make the score 5-0.
SIU Edwardsville put both of its runs on the scoreboard in the top of the eighth inning. Matecki doubled down the left-field line to lead off the inning. With two outs in the inning, Joel Greatting was hit by a pitch and Brian Sipe walked to load the bases. Green then singled up the middle to drive in Greatting and Matecki to cut the Samford lead to 5-2.
Samford relief pitcher Grant Sides was able to get out of the eighth inning allowing no further damage. Jones came in to pitch the ninth inning to seal the win and earn the save.
Samford will return to action on Tuesday, May 10, when the Bulldogs play host to Auburn. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start from Joe Lee Griffin Field.