April 27, 2007
Box Score
MACON, Ga. - In a classic pitchers duel, Kennesaw State's Kyle Heckathorn and Mercer's Brantley New battled into the late innings immersed in a 1-1 tie. However, it was an eighth inning sacrifice fly by Steven Karwatt that lifted Mercer to a, 2-1, win over the Owls on Friday evening at Claude Smith Field.
The Owls (24-19, 6-10 A-Sun) had a chance to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning, but a two-out rally ended when Andrew Martin (2-for-4), who paced the Owls offense with two hits, struck out swinging with the tying run on second base.
After Mercer closer Cory Gearrin relieved New in the top of the ninth inning, he quickly got two outs before a walk to Clint Roques (0-for-3) gave the Owls hope. Matt Dallas (1-for-4) then followed with a single through the right side, but Gearrin recovered to give the Bears the first game of the three-game series.
Mercer (26-20, 11-8 A-Sun) took the lead in the bottom of the eight inning when Eric Renfroe (1-for-4) reached on an infield hit and Heckathorn walked Josh Thompson (0-for-2) which brought Bubba Blalock in from the bullpen. A wild pitch put runners on second and third before Blalock recovered enough to strikeout Mike Armstrong (2-for-4). The Owls chose to intentionally walk Tyler Brown (2-for-3), but Karwatt followed with the game-winning sacrifice fly.
Heckathorn (4-2) was once again stellar for Kennesaw State. The freshman pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs on nine hits, but he was matched by New. Mercer's starter allowed just one run on five hits through eight innings as he raised his record to 5-3 on the year.
The Bears and the Owls both scored their runs with two outs. The Bears got on the board first, scoring with a two-out rally in the bottom of the second inning. After a double play, Andrew Einert (2-for-3) reached on an infield single and Billy Shaugnessy (2-for-4) followed with a double down the left field line.
Kennesaw State was able to counter with a two-out rally in the top of the fifth inning when Martin singled through the left side of the infield. Matt Hopkins (1-for-3) reached on an infield single and the Owls leading hitter, Jacob Robbins (1-for-3), knocked in the game-tying run with a single to left center field.
The Kennesaw State offense struggled as they were only able to get two runners to second base in the game. Jay Morrow, who saw his 12-game hitting streak snapped against Alabama State on Tuesday, had a first inning base hit.
The Owls and the Bears will conclude their weekend series with a Saturday afternoon doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
