May 24, 2003

Final Stats

Charleston, S.C. - For the third consecutive game, Western Carolina used a dominating pitching performance and strong defense to advance in the 2003 Southern Conference Championship, held at Riley Park, with a 1-0 decision over second-seed Georgia Southern Saturday afternoon. The Catamounts (40-18) will play in the title game on Sunday at 1 pm versus an opponent to be determined.

Today, Brandon McDowell and Derrick Hawk combined to blank the Eagles (37-20). In 27 innings of the tournament, WCU pitchers have yet to allow a run, beating Davidson 14-0 and Furman 6-0, with just five walks, 12 hits and 26 strikeouts.

McDowell (6-2) had a no hitter broken up in the top of the seventh when Carlos Love singled to right. McDowell left after getting two outs in the seventh, pitching 6.2. The Love safety was the only hit McDowell allowed and the Franklin native walked three while striking out four. Hawk, a Sylva native, came in with Love and third and promptly struck out A.J. Zickgraf to end the threat. Hawk would earn his fourth save of the season, pitching the final 2.1 innings with one hit, no walks and two strikeouts.

The Catamounts appeared to have taken a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Todd Buchanan walked and stole second. Chris Davis hit what looked to be an RBI double, but he was called out for not touching first base. Western Carolina did take an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Matt Nelson had a leadoff triple down the right field line and scored on a Brian Sigmon single up the middle, which proved to be the difference.

In addition to WCU's pitching performance, the Cats made several stellar plays in the field. In particular, Nelson made two diving catches in center, while Wayne Kilmer made an impressive play on a slow roller. Offensively, Todd Roper, Buchanan, Rod Goldston, Nelson and Sigmon each had a hit.

For Georgia Southern, Love and James Payne had the Eagles' only two hits. Scott Tolbert was the tough-luck loser, falling to 7-2 on the season. Tolbert worked out of at least two jams, scattering five hits and four walks over 6.2 innings with six strikeouts. Steve Cogswell held the Catamounts in check over the final 1.1, allowing no hits or walks with two strikeouts.

Western will play either VMI, UNC Greensboro or Georgia Southern in the championship game on Sunday. Saturday's schedule have VMI and UNCG playing at 3:30 with the winner facing Georgia Southern tonight at 7:30. Whoever wins the Saturday night game will face WCU on Sunday at 1 pm