Winthrop 8, ETSU 4
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Kevin Phillips blasted his team-leading 10th home run of the season and Trey York drove in two runs, but it wasn’t enough to lift ETSU past Winthrop as the Eagles rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday night at Winthrop Ballpark.
York got the Blue and Gold off to a quick start as his double in the top of the first drove in the two runs, but Winthrop answered with a three-run second inning and never relinquished its lead. ETSU pulled back within a run in the fourth, while Phillips’ leadoff homer in the eighth made it a two-run score before the Eagles tacked on two runs in the bottom of the inning to secure the four-run victory.
The double by York and homer from Phillips were their only hits of the night, while Chris Cook – who made his first collegiate start at shortstop – went 2-for-5 with a run scored and Doug McFarland registered a pair of singles for the first multi-hit game of his collegiate career. Zach Thompson drove in ETSU’s other run with an RBI bunt single in the fourth, while Jeremy Taylor reached via two walks and scored a run.
Peyton Taylor made his first start of the season and took the loss (0-2) as he allowed three runs on five hits and walked two in 1 2/3 innings, while sophomore right-hander Connor Bartow was the lone Buccaneer reliever to work a scoreless inning as he surrendered one hit in 1 1/3 innings of action. In total, ETSU’s pitchers were charged with four wild pitches, resulting in two runs coming across the plate on the miscues. Logan Gentry issued a pair of wild pitches in the fifth, while Lee Haeberle allowed a run to score on poor pitch in the eighth.
With the setback, ETSU suffered its seventh straight loss and dipped to 14-26, while Winthrop won its seventh in a row to improve to 29-14.
ETSU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first as York drove in a pair of runs with his double down the right-field line, but Winthrop plated three runs in the second and added a run in the third to go ahead, 4-2.
In the second, the Eagles got a sacrifice fly RBI by Chad Smith, while Taylor walked in the next run and Jace Whitley scored on a fielder’s-choice RBI from Brad Kaczka. Winthrop added to its lead an inning later when Smith’s two-out RBI single scored Mark Lowrie, giving Arnone Riley a two-run cushion on the mound.
The Bucs answered in the fourth when Hagen Owenby worked a one-out walk – and after Danny Carrier entered as a pinch runner – he later scored on Thompson’s two-out RBI bunt single, making it a 4-3 game.
Winthrop – who got a key defensive play in the top of the fifth – extended its lead to 6-3 by plating runs in the bottom half of the inning as John Menken scored on a wild pitch and Lowrie came home on Whitley’s sac-fly RBI to center. In the top of the inning, ETSU had the tying run on second when Cook singled to center, but McFarland tried to score on the play and was gunned down at the plate.
After both teams were held scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, Phillips connected on his leadoff homer in the eighth, but Haeberle was tagged for two runs in the bottom of the frame, pushing the Eagles’ lead to four, 8-4.
The Blue and Gold threatened in the top of the ninth as Christian Bailey reached on an infield single to start the inning and Andrew Lasure posted a pinch-hit single to center, but ETSU was unable to do further damage. Taylor lined into a double play at first and Cook fouled out to first to end the game.
Arnone didn’t factor in the decision, as he was pulled after scattering three runs on four hits in four innings, and Zach Sightler (5-1) earned the win by recording two scoreless frames out of the pen.
All nine Winthrop starters posted a hit as the Eagles outhit the Blue and Gold, 14-10. Lowrie led the way with a 4-for-4 effort and scored three runs.
The Bucs open a three-game conference set with Western Carolina on Friday night at Thomas Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.
USC Upstate 10, Wofford 7
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On Wednesday night, the Wofford College baseball team took the short trip to USC Upstate and was defeated 10-7 at Harley Park. The Spartans scored eight runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead. Wofford got two runs back in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Wofford is 28-14 overall, while USC Upstate is 14-28 overall. The two teams combined for 25 hits in the game. Wofford was led by James Plaisted, who was 3-of-4 and a triple short of hitting for the cycle. Conor Clancey added a pair of RBI doubles. The Spartans were led by Jordan Miller with four hits and two runs scored.
In the bottom half of the second, the Spartans led off with a walk and the runner advanced on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, a single by Sam Kysor drove in the first run of the game. Runners were on the corners after another single and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. A fly ball ended the second inning with the Spartans leading 1-0.
In the top of the third inning, Alec Paradowski hit a double with two outs and scored on a single by Matt Ramsay to tie the game at 1-1. A double to the wall in left center by Plaisted drove in Ramsay for a 2-1 lead. Clancey added a double to left-center as well, scoring Plaisted to make it 3-1.
Paradowski led off the fifth inning with a single and he moved to second on a passed ball. A single by Ramsay gave the Terriers runners on the corners. After Paradowski was out at home on a double steal, Plaisted hit a home run to left-center field to give Wofford a 5-1 advantage.
The Spartans loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth inning on a single, walk, and hit-by-pitch. Back-to-back RBI singles made it a 5-3 game and back-to-back sacrifice flies tied the game at 5-5. With two outs, a double by Kysor drove in two runs and the Spartans took a 7-5 lead. An RBI single from Daniel Fickas pushed the lead to 8-5. With the bases loaded, a walk allowed another run to score. A fielder’s choice finally ended the fifth inning as USC Upstate had a 9-5 advantage.
Plaisted walked with two outs in the top of the seventh. A double down the left line by Clancey scored Plaisted to make it a 9-6 game. A double to right center by Carson Waln drove in Clancey and the score was 9-7 at the seventh-inning stretch.
After a pair of strikeouts to start the bottom of the eighth, a walk and a triple made it a 10-7 game. A strikeout ended the eighth inning. The Terriers were retired in order to end the game.
Wofford starting pitcher Jordan Accetta allowed five runs on five hits in four innings. Elliot Lance (4-2) worked 2/3 of an inning and gave up four runs on five hits.
Dylan Parker (3-2) started for USC Upstate and went five innings with five runs allowed on eight hits. Blake Whitney worked two innings and gave up two runs on three hits. Zach Mitchell did not allow a hit in the final two innings of the game to earn his first save of the season.
Wofford will host Samford for a three-game Southern Conference series beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. at Russell C. King Field.
Appalachian State 12, Western Carolina 3
BOONE, N.C. – Mountaineer second baseman Dillon Dobson doubled three times with three RBIs to lead Appalachian State to a 12-3 victory over Western Carolina on Wednesday night in the return match of a nonconference home-and-home at Smith Stadium.
The Mountaineers (12-29) capitalized on 15 walks issued by Catamount pitching to prevent the two-game sweep with the nine-run victory. Western Carolina (17-20) broke up the shutout with a 3-spot in the eighth inning as the mountain rivals split the two midweek games with WCU taking Tuesday night’s slugfest, 18-15, in Cullowhee, N.C.
Redshirt junior Kramer Ferrell was the only Catamount to record multiple hits as WCU was limited to three runs on seven hits – all singles. Ferrell was 2-for-4 with a run scored to lead the Purple & Gold. Sophomore Matt Smith reached base twice on the night, including on an HBP to extend his reached base safely streak and a hit streak-stretching single in the eighth inning.
In just his third career start, junior RHP Jonathan Waszak (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on five hits with five walks through 2 2/3 innings. Freshman relievers Corey Sikes and Drew Bolick bookended four arms out of the bullpen for the Catamounts, both tossing 2 1/3 innings. Sikes allowed two runs – only one of which was earned – on two hits with a pair of walks issued, while Bolick tallied his first career strikeouts, fanning two against a walk in hitless, scoreless relief.
Leading 4-0 through the first four innings, the Mountaineers stretched their lead with two runs scored in the fifth before seizing complete control in the sixth inning with six runs to lead, 12-0. WCU managed to scratch the scoreboard in the eighth to provide the final tally.
Freshman Brett Pope started the rally with his second walk of the game before Smith singled to right-center for his lone base knock of the night to put two aboard. Ferrell then delivered his second hit to load the bases with just one out. Redshirt sophomore Jason Smith then drew an RBI walk to plate the first run in the form of Pope ahead of freshman Caleb Robinson, who came through with a sacrifice fly to deep center to bring in the second run.
WCU’s lone rally of the night was capped on an RBI single bounced through the right side by freshman Matthew Koehler to make it 12-3.
Both Pope and Koehler finished 1-for-2 on the night, with Reece Strong (1-for-3) and Spencer Holcomb (1-for-4) both adding singles for the Catamounts.
Appalachian State starter Jeffrey Springs (3-1) was credited with the win after tossing the first three innings in two-hit, shutout work in a predetermined appearance. Five Mountaineer relievers combined to hold the potent Catamount offense to just five hits over the final six frames with Caleb McCann and Ryan Ross striking out two. WCU tagged sophomore LHP Keith Walsh with three runs on three hits in the eighth.
In addition to Dobson’s three-hit outing, Brandon Burris (2-for-5) and Carson Jones (2-for-4) collected two hits apiece and a run driven in each. Conner Leonard and Noah Holmes both walked three times.
WCU left nine on base, while the Apps stranded 10 on the night.
Western Carolina returns to Southern Conference play this weekend with a three-game road series at returning conference foe ETSU. Game one on Friday is scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch.
North Florida 9, The Citadel 8
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel scored twice in the ninth and had runners on the corners before North Florida closer Corbin Olmstead was finally able to wrap up a 9-8 victory for the Ospreys on Wednesday night at Riley Park.
North Florida (32-13) completed a two-game season sweep but not before the Bulldogs scored twice in the ninth on an RBI single by Connor Walsh and an error. With runners at first and third and two outs, Olmstead secured his seventh save of the year with a strikeout of pinch-hitter Austin Mapes.
Trailing 7-3 in the seventh, the Bulldogs (18-21) began their rally against Matthew Naylor on a pair of walks sandwiched around a single by Ryan Kilgallen. Mike Deese made it a two-run game when he dropped a double just inside the line in shallow right to chase Naylor in favor of Alex Smith.
Johnathan Stokes pulled The Citadel within one with a groundout, but the Ospreys tacked on single runs in the eighth on a safety squeeze executed by Ryan Roberson and the ninth on a solo homer by Olmstead.
Olmstead, who had not allowed an earned run in 27 1/3 innings entering the contest, hit Bret Hines with one out in the ninth but struck out Deese to bring North Florida within one out of victory. However, the Bulldogs would not go quietly, getting an infield single from Stokes followed by the Walsh base hit to right to make it 9-7.
Stephen Windham's ground ball to Kyle Brooks was misplayed for an error, allowing Stokes to score and moving the tying run to third before Olmstead closed it out.
Naylor went 4 2/3 innings in relief of starter Tyler Moore and earned his sixth win of the year without a loss, allowing three hits and three runs with four strikeouts. Austin Livingston started for The Citadel and was charged with the loss.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second on a two-run double by Bailey Rush and a sacrifice fly by Hines. The Ospreys bounced right back to plate six in the third, including a two-run double by Donnie Dewees that extended the North Florida center fielder's hitting streak to 21.
Steven Hansen led the Bulldogs with a career-high three hits and scored two runs. Jason Smith struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth to see his streak of reaching base via a hit, walk or hit-by-pitch snapped at 25 straight games.
The Citadel returns to Southern Conference action this weekend with a three-game series against VMI at Riley Park. The military rivals meet on Friday at 4 p.m. followed by contests on Saturday at 2 and Sunday at 1. All three games can be seen on the SoCon Digital Network.
Charleston Southern 16, Furman 11
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Robbie Streett homered and drove in five runs and Charleston Southern erased an early five-run deficit to beat Furman, 16-11, in baseball action Wednesday evening at CSU Ballpark.
The Buccaneers (20-19) fell behind 5-0 in the first inning before tallying nine unanswered runs en route to posting their eighth win in the last nine games and fifth straight series victory over the Paladins (19-21).
Streett delivered a two-run single in the first inning, hit a two-run home run in the third, and tacked on an RBI single in a seven-run sixth, helping Charleston Southern extend a three-run advantage to a 16-6 lead.
Brian Dye went 4-for-6 and drove in four runs, and Chase Shelton registered four hits to become Charleston Southern’s all-time hits leader while also tallying three RBIs and three runs scored.
The Buccaneers roughed up Furman pitching for 19 hits.
Blake Chisolm led Furman with a 3-for-4 performance with two RBIs and two runs.
Cameron Whitehead’s three-run home run and Chisolm’s two-run double in the first inning helped stake the Paladins to a 5-0 lead and chase Buccaneer starting pitcher Alex Ministeri, who failed to record an out.
Furman’s quick start fizzled quickly as CSU wasted no time in getting to Paladin starting pitcher Brandon Casas, who surrendered four hits and four runs in the bottom of the first, including Streett’s two-run single.
The Buccaneers took the lead for good in the third, plating four more runs against Furman’s Brandon Elmy, with Streett’s towering two-run shot over the left-field fence highlighting the inning and helping put the Buccaneers up, 8-4.
An RBI single by Dye in the fifth stretched the lead to 9-5 before Furman halted the string of nine consecutive runs by CSU with a Jake Jones RBI grounder in the sixth.
Charleston Southern took command in the sixth, plating seven runs against Furman reliever Steven Fondu. A Dye two-run single and Shelton’s fourth hit of the game, a bases-clearing three-run double, proved to be the big blows in putting the Buccaneers comfortably ahead, 16-6.
The Paladins tallied the contest’s final five runs, scoring three in the eighth and two in the ninth.
John Piriz (1-0) was credited with the win after coming on in the first inning and limiting Furman to just one hit over three innings while striking out four.
The loss went to Elmy (0-1), who was tagged for four runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings for work.
Furman opens a three-game weekend series at the College of Charleston on Friday.