BOONE, NC Appalachian State committed two errors with two outs in the top of the ninth, allowing UNC Greensboro to score three runs and break a 4-4 tie en route to a 7-4 win over the Mountaineers Sunday afternoon at Lackey Field.
The Spartans put the first two runners on in the ninth on a single from Jermaine Mitchell and a bunt single by Greg Feltes. ASU reliever Adams Mills recovered nicely, however, as he struck out the next two hitters, preventing the UNCG runners from advancing any bases. The next hitter, Roly Gonzalez, singled on a slow roller to the right side, but first baseman Wes Borden was unable to handle the throw, allowing Mitchell to come around to score from third. UNCG added two more runs on the next play as shortstop Joey Robinson botched a routine groundball of the bat of David Adams.
Senior Patrick Currin (5-2) picked up the win in relief for the Spartans after allowing one run on four hits in five innings on the hill. Starting pitcher Ryan Falcon allowed three runs on five hits in four innings of work.
Mills (0-1) took the loss after surrendering three runs (no earned) on four hits in two innings on the hill.
Appalachian State (12-18-1, 2-10 SoCon) tallied the first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI single from leadoff hitter Nick DeRose. Joey Robinson led off the inning with a single to leftfield and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Rand Smith before DeRose singled to center for his 16th RBI of the season.
UNCG (14-19, 4-5 SoCon) answered with a run in the top of the fourth to tie the game at one run a piece. Sophomore Greg Feltes drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on his 14th stolen base of the season. Guy Welsh followed with a single through the left side to put runners on the corners. Wes McCall then rolled a grounded to the right side and ASU first baseman Wes Borden threw home looking to retire Feltes at the plate. Feltes, who realized he would be out at home, retreated back to third, inducing a run down between the two bases. Mountaineer catcher Kevin Butler threw the ball into rightfield, however, allowing Feltes to score the game-tying run.
Spartan designated hitter Sam Martin, who earned his first start of the season, gave UNCG a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth on a well placed bunt with runners on the corners for his first RBI of the season. Sean Snell extended his hitting streak to nine games with a leadoff double down the left field line and Adam Deleo followed with a single to left for his sixth base knock of the series.
The Mountaineers regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth after plating a pair of runs. David Rubinstein opened the inning with a double and moved to third on a bunt single from Borden. Robinson followed with the third straight hit with his RBI single through the left side. Two batters later, DeRose added his second RBI of the contest with a sac fly to center.
ASU extended its lead to 4-2 as the Mountaineers plated another run in the bottom of the sixth on a double play groundout on the infield.
UNCG answered with two runs of its own in the top of the seventh to make the score 4-4. Deleo led off with a single and advanced to second on a single from Jermaine Mitchell. Feltes followed with a single to center to load the bases before Welsh laced a single through the left side for his team-leading 23rd and 24th RBIs.
The Spartans return to the field Tuesday when UNCG hosts in-state rival High Point at 6 p.m. at UNCG Baseball Stadium.
AGATE:
UNC Greensboro 7, Appalachian State 4 (Apr 09, 2006 at Boone, N.C.)
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UNC Greensboro...... 000 110 203 - 7 12 2 (14-19, 4-5 SoCon)
Appalachian State... 001 021 000 - 4 9 3 (12-18-1, 2-10 SoCon)
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Pitchers: UNC Greensboro - Ryan Falcon; Patrick Currin(5). Appalachian State - Sherrill;
Mills(8).
Win-Patrick Currin(5-2) Loss-Mills(0-1) T-2:57 A-228
Falcon faced 3 batters in the 5th.
- UNCG -
