May 14, 2002
Final Stats
Rock Hill, S.C. -
Winthrop scored single runs in the first, fourth and eighth innings to pull out a 3-2 victory over Western Carolina Tuesday afternoon at the Winthrop Ballpark.
The Eagles (24-28) grabbed the early lead after an RBI double by Bennett Stapf in the first inning, scoring Todd Leathers, who had also doubled.
The Catamounts (31-19) tied it at 1-1 in the third. Designated hitter Dan Woodley had a leadoff double and scored one batter later on an RBI single by Todd Roper.
Winthrop took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Ben Thurmond scored on a John Neale single to left.
WCU knotted the game at 2-2 in the eighth. Alex Gary had a leadoff single, moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a fly out. The freshman would score on an Alan Beck RBI fielder's choice ground out.
The Eagles would take advantage of two Catamount errors in the eight to push what proved to be the winning run across. Leathers started the inning, reaching on an error by the WCU short stop. He advanced to second when Stas Swerdzewski was hit by a pitch. Stapf loaded the bases on an error by Western's third baseman. Pinch hitter Mark Schmidt had sacrifice fly to center, plating Leathers.
Western threatened in the ninth. Clint Ramsey had a leadoff double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Brian Sigmon. Winthrop relief pitcher Ryan Chenard came on to record the final two outs and earn his second save of the season.
Eagle starter Jason Terry pitched eight innings allowing two runs on 10 hits with one walk and four strikeouts to improve to 4-3 on the season.
The Catamounts got an impressive performance from freshman Brandon McDowell. The Franklin native, making his first collegiate start, allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and two strike outs in seven innings of work. Alex Obert took the loss on the mound as he pitched to three batters in the eighth, allowing an unearned run.
Ramsey (2-for-4) and Woodley (2-for-3) each finished with two hits to lead the Catamounts.
Western Carolina will host Clemson on Wednesday (May 15). First pitch at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. The Tigers come to Cullowhee as the nation's consensus top-ranked team for the seventh consecutive week. The two teams met last month in Clemson, with the Tigers pulling out a 13-9 decision.
