March 28, 2002
Final Stats
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Western Carolina scored five runs in the eighth inning to post a 10-7 come-from-behind win over Binghamton Thursday afternoon at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.
The Catamounts (15-8) used a one-out home run by Rod Goldston to start the rally in the eighth. After a bunt single by Todd Roper, Ryan Schade followed with an RBI triple and later tied the game on an RBI ground out by Donovan Minero. With two outs, designated hitter Alex Gary drove in Todd Buchanan, who walked, while pinch hitter Alan Beck, who was intentionally walked, crossed the plate on a throwing error by Binghamton centerfielder.
Binghamton (6-14) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Stephen Kohan tripled and scored on an RBI ground out by T.J. Kowalchuk. However, Western scored four runs in the bottom half of the first and looked to control. Goldston and Roper started the frame with back-to-back bunts, then Schade hit a bloop single to right. Buchanan cleared the bases with a three-run triple, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Minero.
The Bearcats threatened in the second as WCU starting pitcher Brian Barnes walked the bases loaded, but escaped by striking out Shawn Collyer. In the third, Binghamton cut its deficit to one (4-3), scoring two runs in the inning. Kowalchuk and Tim Collar, who each singled, scored on a David Lewin single and Cesar Suero walk, respectively.
Western padded its lead in the bottom of the third on a solo home run by Doug Myers. The blast was his fifth of the season and made the score 5-3. The Bearcats once again trimmed the lead to one in the fourth as Kowalchuk, who reached after being hit by a pitch, scored on an RBI double by Kyle Loucks.
In the seventh, Binghamton tallied three runs to take a 7-5 lead. Jamie Boyer started the inning by being walked and Lewin singled. With two outs, pinch hitter Tyler McGonigal delivered an RBI single to plate Boyer. A single by Kohan scored McGonigal and a double by Kowalchuk drove in Kohan.
Minero started the seventh with a single, but was stranded after three straight outs. In the eighth, Binghamton also got its leadoff hitter on via a walk. However, Catamount pitcher Joe Camac (2-2) struck out the next two batters and got a fly out en route to getting the win. After scoring its five runs in the eighth, Western closer Ryan Foster did not allow a run or a hit in the ninth to pick up his fourth save of the season.
The top of WCU's lineup combined to go 8-for-12 on the day. Goldston was 2-for-4, Roper was 3-for-4 and Schade was 3-for-4. Buchanan added three RBI, while Gary was 3-for-5.
Offensively for the Bearcats, Kowalchuk led the attack with his 3-for-4 performance with two RBI and two runs scored. Kohan, Boyer and Lewin each added two hits.
After a rough start, giving up four runs and five hits in the first, Bearcat starter Mike Weglinski settled down and only allowed one run and two hits over his next 4.0 innings. Jacob Theil surrendered six hits and three runs in 2.1 innings, while Phil Artonio fell to 0-1 allowing one hit and two runs in 0.2 innings.
Western Carolina will return to action Friday (Mar. 29) when it plays the first of a three-game set with SoCon foe Furman. Friday's game at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium will start at 3 pm, followed by a single game Saturday at 1 pm and a game on Sunday at 2 pm. Binghamton will travel to Boone to play a series with Appalachian State.
