Patterson's Single Lifts Carson-Newman to 8-7 Victory Over Wingate
April 17, 2009
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- Sophomore Evan Patterson (Knoxville, Tenn.) smashed a single to center field in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring Zach Long (Jefferson City, Tenn.) for the winning run, as the Carson-Newman baseball team slipped past Wingate 8-7 in South Atlantic Conference action Friday at the Silver Diamond Baseball Complex.
The Eagles held a 6-3 lead heading into the top of the ninth, but the Bulldogs responded with four unearned runs to take a 7-6 lead. However, Tyler Wynn (LaGrange, Ga.) led off the bottom of the ninth with a solo shot to tie the game, and Long followed with a double to set up Patterson's walk-off single. Patterson was 0-for-4 before producing the game-winning hit.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 24-19 overall and 7-12 in the SAC. Wingate falls to 21-26 and 9-11 in conference play.
C-N collected eight hits on the day but had a rough day in the field as it committed four errors. Junior Mills Rogers (Simpsonville, S.C.) went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs to lead the Eagles.
The Bulldogs produced seven hits. Aaron Knowles (Hope Town, Bahamas) led the way with two hits, including a solo home run.
Eagles starting hurler Corbin Ariail (Elgin, S.C.) (4-3) pitched all nine innings to earn the win. The senior right-hander allowed seven runs (three earned) on seven hits and struck out eight batters.
Wingate reliever Cameron Falcon (Durham, N.C.) (2-5) was tagged with the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning of work.
Knowles led off the top of the second inning with a solo blast over the left-field wall to give the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead, but Eagles designated hitter Corey Lamson (Gray, Tenn.) answered in the bottom of the second with a solo shot to right center to tie the game at 1-1.
C-N grabbed its first lead of the contest in the bottom of the third. Cody Nix (Cartersville, Ga.) led things off with a single and later scored when Patterson reached safely on a fielder's choice. Patterson then stole second and third and plated on an Aaron Vargas (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) groundout to give the Eagles a 3-1 advantage.
Wingate got right back into the game with one swing of the bat in the top of the sixth. After Matt Keeler (Davidson, N.C.) drew a leadoff walk, right fielder Mark Letchworth (Greenville, N.C.) launched a towering two-run shot to left field to tie the game at 3-3.
The Eagles regained the lead in the home half of the eighth with a three-run outburst. Vargas drew a two-out walk to get things started, and Wesley Dozier (Cornelius, N.C.) reached base after being hit by a pitch in the next at bat. C-N first baseman Derek Long (Jefferson City, Tenn.) then perfectly executed a hit and run by driving a single to right field, scoring Vargas for the go-ahead run. Rogers followed with a double down the right-field line, driving in two runs to give C-N a 6-3 advantage.
The Bulldogs took advantage of a pair of C-N errors in the top of the ninth to score four runs and take a 7-6 lead. Heath Weatherford (Rockingham, N.C.) plated on an error, Dustin Hurdle (Burlington, N.C.) delivered a RBI single and Casey Allison (Horse Shoe, N.C.) drove in two runs with a triple to give Wingate the lead, but Wynn's home run and Patterson's single propelled the Eagles to the win.
C-N and Wingate will conclude the three-game series on Saturday with a doubleheader at the Silver Diamond Baseball Complex. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.
