DURHAM, N.C. – UNCG got a pair of runs in the seventh inning to tie the game and then Cody Walker scored on a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth to give the Spartans a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over Duke on Tuesday night at Jack Combs Field.
Colby Hyatt (5-2) came in to pitch the final 1 2/3 innings for UNCG (19-16) and allowed just one hit and struck out two batters. Duke (20-20) reliever Eric Pfisterer (2-3) was credited with the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in 2 1/3 innings of work.
Trevor Edwards led UNCG with a pair of RBI, while John Hein had an impressive 3-5 performance at the plate with two runs scored. Bobby Martin also went 2-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Spartans.
Jeff Kremer and Chris Marconcini each went 2-4 for the Blue Devils, while Kremer added an RBI. David Perkins had an RBI and run scored, as well.
The Blue Devils wasted no time in taking the lead as they put up three runs in the bottom of the first. Kremer and Joe Pedevillano led off with back-to-back walks before a single through the left side of the infield by Perkins scored Kremer and the early 1-0 lead.
A single to center by Marconcini loaded the bases and forced UNCG to make a pitching change. After the change, Anthony D'Alessandro drew a walk to score another run and the Blue Devils would push one more across on a groundout to take a 3-0 lead.
The Spartans were able to come back in the top half of the third inning with a pair of runs to make it a one-run game. With one out, Hein singled to center field and Martin followed with a double over the left fielder's head to score Hein all the way from first. Edwards then pulled a single through the right side to score Martin and make it 3-2.
Duke would get one run back in the home half of the fourth as Kremer hit a two-out RBI single to left center to push its lead out to 4-2.
UNCG was able to take care of some good fortune in the top of the seventh to tie the game at four. With two outs, Hein hit a bloop double down the left field line and was able to move to third when Martin laid down a bunt single towards third base.
Then as Martin went to steal second, the Blue Devil catcher allowed the ball to get past him that allowed Hein to score from third and make it 4-3. Two pitches later, Martin went to steal third and the catcher's throw sailed into left field to allow him to easily score and knot the game at four.
UNCG was able to complete its rally in the top of the ninth as Walker doubled off the left-field wall to lead off the inning. After a strikeout, Martin hit a little flare to the second baseman and he decided to try to get Walker at third, but was unsuccessful, putting runners at the corners. Edwards then took a pitch to deep left center to allow Walker to easily tag up and score to give the Spartans a 5-4 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, Hyatt got a pair of strikeouts, including the final batter looking, to close out the win for UNCG.
The Spartans will hit the road this weekend as UNCG and Samford will start its three-game series beginning on Thursday at 7 p.m.
AGATE
UNCG 5, Duke 4
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UNCG................ 002 000 201 - 5 10 0 (19-16)
Duke................ 300 100 000 - 4 8 1 (20-20)
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Pitchers: UNCG - Andrew Spleth; Greg Smith(1); Jarett Miller(5); Dylan Hathcock(6); Zach Furl(7); Colby Hyatt(8) and Cambric Moye; Zach Leach. Duke - Robert Huber; Eric Pfisterer(7) and Michael Rosenfeld.
Win-Colby Hyatt(5-2) Loss-Eric Pfisterer(2-3) T-2:32 A-403
Weather: 79 and sunny
Spleth faced 4 batters in the 1st.
- UNCG -
