Feb. 21, 2009

Box Score |   

Cullowhee, N.C. - Using a three-run bottom of the first inning, Western Carolina went on to defeat the Bowling Green Falcons Saturday afternoon, 4-1, in game two of the 2009 season at Childress Field/ Hennon Stadium.

Junior Chris Masters (1-0) picked up his first win of the season allowing just two hits one earned run while striking out six through six solid innings of work. Bowling Green starter Matt Malewitz took the loss (0-1) only going three innings allowing four hits giving up three earned runs.

Western Carolina (2-0) came right out of the box early, when in the bottom of the first inning with two runners on and only one out senior J.C. Lyons roped a two-run triple to right center plating two Catamounts to give Western Carolina an early 2-0 lead. Junior third basemen Tyler Kirkpatrick followed with an RBI single to center to bring home Lyons to increase the Catamounts lead to 3-0.

Western Carolina added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth-inning to make the score 4-0 Catamounts through four innings of play.

Junior left-hander Chris Masters was cruising until the top of the fifth inning when with one out Falcons centerfielder T.J Blanton smashed a Home Run to left field to cut the Catamounts lead to 4-1.

Sophomore Matt Benedict and Junior Daniel Ottone came on in relief of Masters to throw three-inning of shutout relief to close the door on the Falcons.

Ottone worked a perfect ninth to earned his first save on the year with a ground ball and a pair of strikeouts to end the game.

True freshman Ross Heffley had his second straight multi-hit game going 2-for-3 in the victory. Third basemen Tyler Kirkpatrick now leads the team with four RBI's through two games.

The finale of the three-game series is set for 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. The Catamounts are scheduled to start senior right-hander Corey Martin. Admission is still free of charge.