Box Score

Boone, N.C. - Mountaineer second baseman Dillon Dobson doubled three times with three RBI to lead an opportunistic Appalachian State squad to a 12-3 victory over a beleaguered and short-handed Western Carolina side Wednesday night in the return match of a nonconference home-and-home at Smith Stadium.

The Mountaineers (12-29) capitalized on 15 walks issued by Catamount pitching to prevent the two-game sweep with the nine-run victory. Western Carolina (17-20) broke-up the shutout with a three-spot in the eighth inning as the two mountain-rivals split the two midweek games with WCU taking Tuesday night's slugfest, 18-15, in Cullowhee.

Redshirt junior Kramer Ferrell was the only Catamount to record multiple hits as WCU was limited to three runs on seven hits - all singles. Ferrell was 2-for-4 with a run scored to lead the Purple & Gold. Sophomore Matt Smith reached base twice on the night including on an HBP to extend his reached base safely streak and a hit streak-stretching single in the eighth inning.

In just his third career start, junior RHP Jonathan Waszak (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on five hits with five walks through two and two-thirds innings. Freshman relievers Corey Sikes and Drew Bolick bookended four arms out of the bullpen for the Catamounts, both tossing two and a third innings. Sikes allowed two runs - only one of which was earned - on two hits with a pair of walks issued while Bolick tallied his first career strikeouts, fanning two against a walk in hitless, scoreless relief.

Leading 4-0 through the first four innings, the Mountaineers stretched their lead with two runs scored in the fifth before seizing complete control in the sixth inning with six runs to lead, 12-0. WCU managed to scratch the scoreboard in the eighth to provide the final tally.

Freshman Brett Pope started the rally with his second walk of the game before Matt Smith singled to right center for his lone base knock of the night to put two aboard. Ferrell then delivered his second hit to load the bases with just one out. Redshirt sophomore Jason Smith then drew a RBI walk to plate the first run in the form of Pope ahead of freshman Caleb Robinson who came through with a sacrifice fly to deep center to bring in the second run.

WCU's lone rally of the night was capped on a RBI single bounced through the right side by freshman Matthew Koehler to make it 12-3.

Both Pope and Koehler finished 1-for-2 on the night with Reece Strong (1-for-3) and Spencer Holcomb (1-for-4) both adding singles for the Catamounts.

Appalachian State starter Jeffrey Springs (3-1) was credited with the win after tossing the first three innings in two-hit, shutout work in a predetermined appearance. Five Mountaineer relievers combined to hold the potent Catamount offense to just five hits over the final six frames with Caleb McCann and Ryan Ross striking out two. WCU tagged sophomore LHP Keith Walsh with three runs on three hits in the eighth.

In addition to Dobson's three-hit outing, Brandon Burris (2-for-5) and Carson Jones (2-for-4) collected two hits apiece and a run driven in. Conner Leonard and Noah Holmes both walked three times

WCU left nine on base while the Apps stranded 10 on the night.

Western Carolina returns to Southern Conference play this weekend with a three-game road series at returning conference foe, East Tennessee State. Game one on Friday is scheduled for a 6:05 pm first pitch.