March 27, 2002

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina scored at least one run in each inning en route to a 17-4 victory - in seven innings- over Binghamton Wednesday afternoon at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.

Three Catamounts had at least three hits, including Rod Goldston, Chris Davis and Donovan Minero. Goldston went 3-for-3 with four RBI and a stolen base, while Davis was 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. Minero continued his solid play of late, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. He additionally hit his SoCon-leading eighth home run versus the Bearcats, marking his sixth blast over his last eight games.

Western (14-8) jumped out to a 7-0 in the first inning. However, only one of the runs were earned as Binghamton (6-13) committed three errors in the inning. The Catamounts extended their lead to 9-0 in the second, as Minero plated Alan Beck with a sacrifice fly and Alex Gary, who was 2-for-2, delivered an RBI single to score Ryan Schade, who had previously singled.

In the third, Western took a 12-0 advantage as Goldston started the frame with a single and scored on a double by Davis. Two batters later, Minero drove in Davis with his homer to left.

As impressive as Western's offense was to start the game, WCU freshman Brad Josey was just as effective on the mound. The left-handed pitcher struck out four of his first six batters and did not allow a hit until the third inning. In the fourth, Binghamton got on the board when Tony Berube had a bloop-single to right and scored on a RBI by Tim Collar one batter later.

Western regained its 12-run lead by scoring a run in the bottom of the frame and added two runs in the bottom of both the fifth and sixth innings to cap its scoring. Binghamton did tally three runs on two hits in the top of the seventh to make the score 17-4, before the game was called due to the 10-run rule.

Josey (1-1) was credited with the win, allowing three hits, one walk and one run in 4.0 innings. Rob Hoover did not allow a hit, walk or run, while striking out one, in 2.0 innings of relief. Binghamton starter Johnmin Hickey (0-1) was saddled with the loss.

Western Carolina and Binghamton will conclude their two-game set on Thursday (Mar. 28) at 3 pm.