April 27, 2002

Final Stats

Statesboro, Ga. - Donovan Minero went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Brian Sigmon had a two-run double to lead Western Carolina to a 6-3 victory over Georgia Southern Saturday afternoon at J.I. Clements Stadium.

The Catamounts (26-16, 15-8 SoCon) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. After walks to Ryan Schade and Todd Buchanan, Minero collected the first of his two doubles on the day, driving in both Catamount runners.

Western added a run in the top of the third to make the score 3-0. Schade had a leadoff double and moved to second on an infield hit by Alan Beck. Schade and Beck stole third and second, respectively, and Todd Buchanan followed with an RBI ground out to second.

The Eagles (28-19, 14-9 SoCon) cut their deficit to two runs with a tally in the bottom of the third. Chris Walker had a bunt single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Two pitches later, Chad Hall plated Walker with an RBI ground out. Georgia Southern threatened to tie the game, but Catamount starter Brad Josey struck out A.J. Zickgraf with two runners on to end the threat.

Georgia Southern make it a one-run game in the sixth, taking advantage of a Catamount error to score an unearned run. Rusty Herring started the inning by reaching on an error. A single by Carlos Love put runners at second and third, while pinch hitter Matt Hammond was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Walker followed with a single to left. Herring scored on the play, but Love was thrown out at home by Beck to end the inning.

In the eighth, Western scored two runs to make the score 5-2. Minero had a leadoff single and Chris Davis walked. The two runners would score on Sigmon's double down the left field line. Georgia Southern answered with a run in the bottom half, once again taking advantage of a WCU error. Three infield singles loaded the bases. With two outs, Western should have gotten out of the inning unscathed, but Jemel Spearman reached on a fielding error allowing Walker to score. On the play, Hall tried to score from second, but was thrown out at home to end the inning.

Western added an insurance run in the ninth when Eagle pitcher walked Doug Myers with the bases loaded, scoring Beck, who had walked.

Joe Camac did not give up a hit or a run with two strike outs to earn his third save of the season. Josey improved to 4-1 on the season, allowing six hits, two runs (one earned), and two walks in 5.1 innings. Ryan Basner did not give up a run in 1.2 innings, while Ryan Foster surrendered an unearned run in the eighth.

Western Carolina and Georgia Southern will play the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday at 1:30 pm.