May 13, 2005

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Catamount freshman Steven Strausbaugh kept his bid for postseason honors rolling by going 3-for-5 and pushing his season batting average to .396. However, his effort was spoiled as Charleston Southern (24-25) scored six runs in the seventh inning to post a 13-8 decision over Western Carolina (28-20) Friday night at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.

Strausbaugh, who had two RBI and two runs scored, tallied two singles and hit his 11th home run of the season while extending his hitting streak to 16 games. He also has a hit in 31 of his last 32 games.

The Buccaneers were led by number nine hitter Jay Reynolds, who had three hits, while Brad Woods had three RBI and two hits. CSU starter Josh Evans (8-3) picked up the win, pitching seven solid innings. He allowed five hits and four runs (one earned) with three walks and six strikeouts.

After two quick outs in the first, Charleston Southern would load the bases on a Jordan Haar double, a walk to Brian Sole and a single by Woods. Graham Maiden was hit by a pitch to push across the first run then Keith Stewart followed with a three-run double down the left field line to give the Buccaneers a 4-0 advantage.

Charleston Southern used another two-out rally to take a 5-0 lead in the top of the second. After getting a pair of strikeouts with two runners on base, Sole walked to load the bases and Woods followed with a free pass to force a run across.

The Bucs tacked on a pair of runs in the top of the third, racing out to a 7-0 lead. Again, with two outs, CSU came to life with four singles and a walk by Reynolds got things started, followed by a walk to Fyle and RBI singles by Grosse and Haar.

The Catamounts got on the board in the bottom of the third. Blake Murphy started the home half by reaching on an error and, after two outs, Jared Greenwood walked. Strausbaugh plated Murphy with a single through the left side of the infield.

Strausbaugh was responsible for Western's second run, belting a home run to right in the bottom of the sixth. Then, with two outs in the sixth, Nate Hall walked and Chris Davis singled. CSU looked to get out of the inning when Jonathan Greene flied deep to right. However, an error allowed Hall and Davis to score, making the score 7-4

Charleston Southern answered back in the seventh thanks to a triple by Reynolds. Billy Dalton, who drew a one-out walk, scored on Reynolds' triple. Then, on a strikeout, Fyle reached first on a throwing error allowing Reynolds to score. The Bucs would load the bases and score their 10th run on a walk to Sole. Woods gave CSU an eight-run lead with a two-run double down the right field line. Maiden followed with a sacrifice fly, making the score 13-4.

Western attempted a rally in the ninth. After pinch hitter Chris Ahearn walked and Strausbaugh singled, Hall brought the two home with a two-run double to left center. Two batters later, Greene singled, driving in Hall and Chris Davis, who had walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. Charleston Southern pitcher would get a strikeout to end the game.

Catamount started Brian McCullen suffered the loss, falling to 5-3 on the year. He lasted 2.2 innings, allowing five hits and seven runs with four walks and three strikeouts.

Western Carolina and Charleston Southern will play game two of their three-game set on Saturday. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm. However, fans are encouraged to come out early as Western will honor its six seniors, Brian Barnes, Chris Davis, Jared Greenwood, Derrick Hawk, Luke Miller and Clint Ramsey.