March 7, 2006

Final Stats

Wilmington, N.C. - A two-run home run by Justin Barefoot in the fourth inning proved to be enough as UNC Wilmington held on for a 3-2 victory over Western Carolina Tuesday afternoon at Brooks Field. The Seahawks, who entered the game with a team batting average of .389, were only held to six hits in improving to 11-3 on the year, while the Catamounts drop to 5-5.

The Catamounts took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With two outs, Barrett Shaft singled to left, advanced to second on Trey McDaniel walk and scored on Jonathan Greene's RBI single to left.

The Seahawks tied the game at 1-1 in the third, and a solid defensive play by WCU second baseman Grey Gregory ensured the game remained tied. Steve Halford had a leadoff single and Daniel Hargrave walked. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, Chris Hatcher had an infield, RBI single to shortstop and runners were on first and second with one out. Mike Mabry looked to plate another run, but Gregory made a leaping catch on a line drive, followed by a ground out to second to end the threat.

In the fourth, UNCW overtook the Catamounts with a two-run home run by Barefoot. Jonathan Batts set the table with a one-out walk, then Barefoot delivered a two-strike pitch over the left field wall, his fourth blast of the season.

Western trimmed its deficit to one (3-2) in the top of the seventh. Ryan Wilson, who reached on a fielder's choice, moved to second on an Andy John single and then scored on Donnie Wilson's RBI single down the left field line.

Allen Flood came out the UNCW bullpen to pitch the final 2.2 innings, allowing no hits, runs or walks while striking out four to earn the save. Starter Brett Braxton improved to 3-0, pitching 6.1 innings. He allowed four hits, two runs and a walk with six strikeouts.

Brandon McDowell, getting his first start, pitched well, but fell to 0-1. The Franklin senior allowed five hits and three runs over 5.0 innings. Tyler Johnson pitched the final three innings, allowing just one hit.

Western Carolina and UNC Wilmington will play the second of their two-game series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 3 pm.