April 1, 2006

Final Stats

Boone, N.C. - A sacrifice fly by Appalachian State's Adam Beasley in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the game winner as the Mountaineers claimed a 4-3 victory over Western Carolina Saturday afternoon before a capacity crowd of 812 at Red Lackey Field.

As it did in game one, Western Carolina took early control with a solo home run. With two outs in the first, Steven Strausbaugh hit a two-strike blast over the left-center field fence, giving the sophomore 14 on the season.

Appalachian State took its first lead of the weekend, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded and two outs, Rand Smith delivered a two-run single to center. Nick DeRose followed with a perfect bunt for a single, driving in Tom Prosser of the play.

The Catamounts, who left nine runners on base, tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth. After a one-out infield single by Blake Murphy, Boone native Jonathan Greene treated his hometown fans by hitting his fourth home run of the season. However, in the home half, the Apps regained the advantage, scoring a run to go up 4-3. After a one-double by Chris Baker, David Rubinstein singled. Beasley then plated Baker with a sacrifice fly.

Both teams threatened in the later innings, but clutch relief performances kept the score at 4-3. Namely, ASU's Garrett Sherrill worked a perfect ninth inning to earn his first career save. Also, both starting pitchers had solid outings. Jason Rook got the win for the Apps, improving to 2-3. He scattered seven hits over 6.2 innings, allowing three runs and four walks with three strikeouts. For Western, Tyler Sexton dropped to 5-2 on the season. He also surrendered seven hits over 6.1 innings, allowing four runs and two walks with five strikeouts.

Strausbaugh and Greene each had two hits for the Catamounts, while Baker and Joey Robinson each had two hits for ASU.

The two teams will play the rubber match of the three-game set on Sunday with first pitch set for 1 pm.