March 17, 2007

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Ten different players recorded a hit for Western Carolina (12-7) as they defeated Columbia University (4-8-1), 17-11, Saturday afternoon at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.

Columbia out hit the Catamounts, 17-16, but they also committed as season-high eight errors in the loss.

Andrew Larrimore received his first win of the year after allowing just one run on two hits in two innings of relief. Daniel Ottone also pitched well for the Catamounts as he struck out three while giving up one run in two innings of work.

Columbia took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning but the Catamounts countered with three of their own to take a 3-1 advantage in the bottom half of the inning. John Ingram singled to drive in the first Catamount run followed by a Steven Strausbaugh sacrifice fly which scored Jonathan Greene from third. Ingram scored the third run as Ryan Wilson reached base by an error by the second baseman.

Western posted one run in the third on a Kenny Smith sacrifice fly to score Greene giving the Catamounts a 4-1 lead.

Columbia rallied back in the fourth as they cut the deficit to one as Western starter Ryne Nelson loaded the bases and was relieved by Larrimore. The ensuing batter hit a sacrifice fly followed by Wilson gunning Craig Rodwogin out at second on a double steal. After allowing a walk and single, Dan Neczypor grounded out to second base to stop the Lion rally.

During the next three innings, Western posted 13 runs on 11 hits while Columbia committed four errors to give the Catamounts their largest lead of the year, 17-4, after six innings.

Greene hit his fourth home run of the year while going 2-for-4, scoring three times, and driving in three base-runners. Ingram was 2-for-5 on the day while scoring twice and posted three RBI to give him a team leading 29 on the season.

Catamount catcher Wilson was 2-for-4 with one RBI and scored once in his second start of the year behind the plate.

Nick Liles extended his hitting streak to 11 games on a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Barrett Shaft (2-for-4) scored a team-high four runs as he continues to lead the team in hitting (425).

Columbia collected seven runs over the last three innings, six coming in the final two innings. The Lions were lead by lead-off hitter Jason Banos (3-for-4, four runs, one RBI), Spencer Silverstein (2-for-4, three RBI), and Craig Rodwogin (2-for-3, two RBI, and three walks).

Western looks for its first series sweep of the season in the series finale Sunday at 12:00 pm at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium.