April 2, 2002
Final Stats
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Clint Ramsey, a freshman third baseman, went 4-for-4 with a grand slam to lead Western Carolina to a 9-6 victory over region rival UNC Asheville Tuesday afternoon at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.
Ramsey (Weaverville, N.C./North Buncombe) accounted for seven of WCU's nine runs (five RBI and two runs scored) and his bases-clearing home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference for the Catamounts (19-8) as the Bulldogs (7-10) tacked on five runs in the ninth to make the game close.
Western Carolina raced out to a 2-0 lead, taking advantage of three hits and one UNCA error in the first. Freshman Chris Davis, who was 3-for-5 to improve his season batting average to an even .500, started the Catamount first with a single and later scored on an RBI single by Donovan Minero. Ramsey followed with an RBI single to plate Alan Beck, who reached on an error.
UNC Asheville cut the lead in half in the third inning, 2-1, also taking advantage of a an error. With one out, Bill Carley reached on an error and advanced to third on a single by Grant Rembert. Curtis Moncus delivered the first of his two RBI, driving in Carley with a single to right field.
In the fourth, the Catamounts began to open the game up. WCU senior pitcher Rob Hoover came out of the bullpen in the top of the frame and retired the Bulldogs in order. In fact, he retired all nine men he faced in his 3.0 innings, with three strikeouts, to improve to 2-0 on the season. Ryan Basner continued WCU's pitching success with a 1-2-3 inning - including two strikeouts - in the seventh.
While Hoover and Basner were shutting down the Bulldogs, the Catamount offense scored a run in the fourth, two in the fifth and four in the sixth to take a 9-1 lead. In the fourth, Beck plated Brian Sigmon. In the fifth and with the bases loaded, Sigmon drove in Ramsey and Alex Gary with a single through the left side. In the sixth, Dan Woodley and beck had back-to-back hits to start the inning. After a sacrifice bunt by Todd Buchanan put runners at second and third, UNCA elected to intentionally walk Minero to load the bases and set up a potential double play. However, Ramsey deposited a 1-2 pitch over the left-field fence for his fourth home run of the season and his first career grand slam.
Both teams were held scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings. Brian Barnes pitched the eighth for WCU. The freshman allowed two hits, but struck out two and did not allow a run in the frame.
In the ninth, UNC Asheville had four hits in scoring five runs, but only four of the runs were earned thanks to a pair of Catamount errors. Nick Jaksa had a leadoff single and, after a wild pitch, scored on a double down the right field line by Robert Rudder. An error, a walk and an error allowed Rudder to score. An infield single by Rembert loaded the bases. Moncus followed with a single to left, scoring Israel Victor. Catamount closer Ryan Foster came on to get the final two outs to earn his fifth save of the season. First, pinch hitter Jake McConiga reached on an RBI fielder's choice, then Jaska grounded out to third to end the game.
In addition to Ramsey and Davis, Doug Myers and Sigmon had a solid performance at the plate as each collected to hits. For UNCA, Rembert went 3-for-5 while Moncus and Jaksa each added two hits. Bulldog starter Brad Beck fell to 0-2 on the season, allowing six hits, three runs - all unearned - one walk and three strikeouts in 3.2 innings.
Western Carolina will return to action in a key Southern Conference match-up this weekend (April 5-7) when it hosts The Citadel for a three-game series. The Citadel is the SoCon leader with a 10-2 record, which is one-game lead over WCU (9-3 in the league). Friday's game at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium starts at 3:00 pm. Games on Saturday and Sunday are set to begin at 1:00 pm.
Saturday (April 6) is "Little League Day" at Childress Field as all Little Leaguers between the ages of 5-12 will be admitted free of charge if they are wearing their Little League jersey or hat. Little Leaguers are invited to come early (by 12:45) and run out onto the field with the Catamount starters and stand at your position on the field for the National Anthem. There will be several exciting contests and prizes awarded during the game and a special postgame autograph session with the WCU Baseball team.
After being rained out last Sunday, WCU will once again host an "Easter" Egg Hunt following the game this Sunday (April 7). The event is open to children ages 10 and under.
