Baseball 5/7/2008 8:00:00 PM UNCGSpartans.com

Spartans fall, 5-3, after three-run N.C. A&T rally

Box Score

GREENSBORO, NC Four singles and a fielder's choice in the top of the fifth combined for an Aggie three-run, lead changing rally as UNC Greensboro fell to North Carolina A&T, 5-3, Wednesday evening at UNCG Baseball Stadium.

For the first time since 1991, the Aggies (26-25) swept the Spartans. Despite the sweep, UNCG (30-20) still holds a commanding 32-5 series lead since the first meeting in 1991.

Starter Chris Eggers (5-5) nabbed the victory for N.C. A&T after striking six and allowing juts two runs in five innings of work. Marquis Frink (4-3) earned his fifth save of the season after holding off UNCG in the ninth. Senior Wes McCall (1-5) took the loss after allowing the lead run in the fifth. The Spartan's freshman starter, Warren Slack, pitched an outstanding first four innings. While on the mound, the High Point, NC native struck out a team season high and a personal record eight batters while walking none.

At the plate, UNCG preserved three of its ongoing hit streaks. Sophomore Corey Overholtzer extended his to ten as we went 1-for-3, junior Pedro Leon has now gone eight games straight after hitting 1-for-5 with a run scored, and senior Matt Gaski has now gone seven in a row after batting 3-for-4 with an RBI and a double. A&T's Joe McIntyre hit 3-for-5 with three RBI and a pair of doubles. It was his single to centerfield that tied the game in the fifth.

In the bottom of the opening inning, senior Greg Feltes slammed a four pitch solo to give UNCG the early lead. The homer over the right center wall was Feltes' 11th this season, 19th career.

In the third, a hard hit single to the shortstop put junior Pedro Leon on first. In the next at-bat, senior Matt Gaski sent an RBI double into right center to plate Leon and give the Spartans the 2-0 lead.

Four singles and a fielder's choice in the top of the fifth combined for an Aggie three-run, lead changing rally. Jeremy Jones, CJ Beatty, Joe McIntyre, and Nelson Santos sprayed singles to bring in the 2-2, tying run. With bases loaded, a Neil Rosser hit to third base drew a toss over to second. The Spartans got the out, but due to a fielder/runner tangle were unable to make the throw to first for the double play, allowing the lead run to come down from third.

A&T tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth as George Hines and Beatty were both plated off of a left field double by McIntyre.

In the eighth, a left side single by senior Adam Deleo brought in fellow senior Tim Carrier to knock the score down to 5-3. Unable to plate anymore, North Carolina A&T walked away with their second victory over the Spartans this season.

This weekend, the blue and gold will hit the road for their final conference three-game away series against the Georgia Southern Eagles in Statesboro, GA. Friday's game is set for 7pm with a 6pm Saturday game and a 1:30pm Sunday game to follow.