May 22, 2002

Final Stats

Charleston, S.C. - Second baseman Todd Roper went 4-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI to help No. 2 seed Western Carolina top No. 7 seed Wofford in game two of the 2002 Southern Conference Baseball Tournament at Riley Park Wednesday afternoon.

Western Carolina (33-21) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Left fielder Alan Beck started the rally as he singled through the left side of the infield, advanced to second on a single by first baseman Todd Buchanan and scored on a wild pitch by Wofford. Buchanan then scored on a single by designated hitter Alex Gary.

The Catamounts posted another run in the fifth as Roper singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, moved to third on a fly out and scored on a single by Buchanan.

Wofford (26-30) plated a run in the top of the sixth when center fielder Strat Stavrou blasted a solo home run over the right field fence to close the margin to 3-1.

Western Carolina exploded for four runs in the sixth to break the game open. The inning was highlighted by a RBI double by shortstop Dan Woodley and a two-run double from Beck. The fourth run came on a fielder's choice as third baseman Ryan Schade scored. The Catamounts added two more in the seventh as center fielder Donovan Minero singled and scored on another RBI double from Woodley. Woodley later scored on a single by Roper.

The Terriers tried to put together a rally in the top of the ninth as they scored a run on a Western Carolina error. Catamount reliever Brandon McDowell thwarted the rally as he struck out the final batter of the game.

McDowell pitched the final two innings and struck out two. WCU starter Dan Foley pitched seven innings, struck out five and allowed one earned run to pick up the victory and improve to 5-2 on the season. Wofford starter Tate Osterman pitched 5.2 innings, allowed 11 hits and seven earned runs to fall to 4-9.

With the win Western Carolina advances in the winner's bracket to face the No. 3 seed College of Charleston at 4 pm on Thursday, while Wofford will face No. 6 seed Furman at 10 am in the first elimination game.

Coaches' Quotes: Wofford Assistant Coach Brandon McKillop; "Dan Foley pitched a great game. Their hitters did a great job with two outs and runners in scoring position. They made the most of their opportunities. Brandon McDowell came in and threw strikes, he did his job. They had the right formula for a win today. We played good defense, we just have to execute better on offense. When playing a quality team like Western Carolina you have to put the pressure on them early and we didn't do that."

Western Carolina Head Coach Todd Raleigh; "Today was a great game. Dan Foley pitched unbelievably well today. We played good defense and swung the bats real well. Overall this was a very complete game and I think we were very focused both before and during the game. When your eight and nine batters (Todd Roper and Dan Woodley) combine for six hits, it is a huge lift for you. Doing little things like that will help you win a tournament."