April 7, 2007
Box Score
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Kennesaw State let a three-run, ninth-inning, lead slip away as ETSU defeated the Owls in 10 innings, 7-6, in the first game of a doubleheader at Cardinal Park.
Three outs away from victory, the Owls saw their lead vanish as closer Justin Freeman failed in a save opportunity for the first time this season. In relief of Kyle Muschara, who retired the side in order in the eighth inning, Freeman allowed a lead off home run to Justin Aughey to make the score 6-4.
The right-hander struck out Danny Petro (2-for-5) looking for the first out, but Ryan Self (0-for-4) reached on a throwing error by shortstop Jacob Robbins. Freeman got Troy Mendez (1-for-4) on a comebacker for the second out before pinch-hitter Bubba Herbold (1-for-1) singled up the middle to make the score 6-5. Kyle Clayton entered and was promptly greeted by Tanner Moore (2-for-4) who doubled to right field, tying the game.
C.J. Lee (1-for-5) led off the tenth inning with a single up the middle, chasing Clayton in favor of Kody Paul. A failed pickoff attempt by Paul moved Lee to second base. After an intentional walk and a bunt single, Petro delivered the game-winning hit.
Kennesaw State (18-14, 2-6 A-Sun) wasted another solid effort by freshman starter Kyle Heckathorn as the Owls dropped their fifth consecutive conference game.
Heckathorn pitched seven solid innings and was dominating after allowing three runs in the first two innings. The right-hander allowed just one-hit over his final five innings of work. Heckathorn retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced, striking out eight batters without a walk.
After spotting the Buccaneers (22-12, 9-2 A-Sun) three runs, Kennesaw State scored five runs in the middle three innings. Jace Whitmer (1-for-2) hit a solo home run with one-out in the fourth inning and following an error, Matt Dallas (1-for-5) came up with an RBI-double to make the score 3-2.
The Owls would take the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Ray Redden (2-for-3) led off with an opposite home run to right field to tie the game. Jacob Robbins (2-for-5) singled, stole second and after Martin Baker (2-for-6) reached on an error, Jay Morrow (3-for-4) gave KSU the lead with an infield hit.
Kennesaw State added solo runs in the sixth and ninth innings to build a three-run advantage. An error scored the sixth inning run while Clint Roques (0-for-5) drove in the Owls final run of the game on a fielder's choice.
Clayton (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing one run on two hits in a third of an inning while Caleb Glafenhein (11-2) notched the win, pitching a scoreless tenth inning.
