April 23, 2008
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga.--Down to their last strike, Martin Baker laced a pinch-hit two-out single to score the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth for Kennesaw State, but a two-run double in the 11th proved to be the difference as Georgia Southern defeated the Owls, 6-4, Wednesday night at Stillwell Stadium.
The Owls trailed 4-2 entering the eighth inning before the rally started. With two men in scoring position, Jacob Robbins grounded out to second to bring home Ross Tendler, cutting the deficit to one.
Things looked bleak for the Owls in the ninth after the first to batters were retired. A glimmer of hope appeared when Jace Whitmer was hit by a pitch to extend the game. Clint Roques entered into the designated hitter position to run for Whitmer and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Down in the count 1-2, Baker lifted a fly ball into right that dropped for a single, sending Roques in a mad dash for the plate with the tying run to send the game into extra frames.
In the 11th, the first two Eagles batters reached via walks. After a strikeout, Ty Wright doubled into the corner in left, bringing home both runners to give GSU the winning margin.
The Owls (21-22)opened the scoring in the second with a pair of runs as Tyler Stubblefield and Robbins connected for two-out back-to-back singles. Whitmer and Jerome Wooley scored on each respective single to give KSU the lead.
Georgia Southern (22-18) responded with three runs in the fifth off Wes Tignor and a run in the sixth off of Justin Edwards.
Michael Bohana (2-3) took the loss for the Owls, allowing two runs and only one hit in three innings of relief. Kenny Faulk pitched four innings to start the game, allowing a hit while striking out five, but did not factor in the decision.
Blake Nation (2-3) picked up the win for GSU with four innings of relief work. Nation allowed the tying run to score but gave up just one additional hit while fanning six batters.
The Owls will return to Atlantic Sun Conference play this Friday when KSU visits Campbell. First pitch in Buies Creek, N.C., is set for 6:00 p.m.
Notes: The Owls lost to Georgia Southern for the first time in program history...KSU fell to 1-2 in extra inning games this year...Owls pitchers struck out 13 batters in the contest.
