Box Score Game Box (pdf)
FOREST CITY, N.C. – On Wednesday night, the Wofford baseball team rallied in the ninth inning but was defeated 4-3 by Presbyterian at McNair Field. The Blue Hose scored three runs in the first inning and led 4-0 before the Terriers scored three runs in the ninth. The bases were loaded with one out, but Wofford was unable to plate the tying run.
Wofford is now 4-4, while Presbyterian is 5-4. The Terriers were led by Eric Brenk who was 4-of-4 on the night with two RBIs. Seth Neely added two hits for Wofford. The Blue Hose were led by Aaron Preston with two hits and Brandon Paul with two RBIs.
The Blue Hose jumped out to an early lead when Brandon Paul had a single through the left side in the top of the first inning to score two runs. Presbyterian added a run on a bunt single by Ryan Hagan for a 3-0 lead. Wofford was retired in order to end the first inning.
In the bottom of the second, the Terriers had two hits but were unable to score. Each team left one runner on base in the third inning. Presbyterian loaded the bases in the top of the fourth and one run scored on a wild pitch to take a 4-0 lead. Both teams stranded one runner in the fifth inning.
Presbyterian left one on base in the top of the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, the Blue Hose had two runners on base, but both were stranded. For Wofford in the bottom of the seventh, Matthew Ramsay walked and a single by Eric Brenk gave the Terriers runners at first and third with one out. A strikeout and groundout ended the scoring chance.
In the top of the eighth, the Blue Hose stranded two runners. Wofford went down in order in the bottom of the eighth. After Presbyterian went in order in the top of the ninth, the Terriers opened the bottom of the ninth with three straight walks. Eric Brenk hit a single to right center to drive in two runs. A bunt single by James Plaisted loaded the bases again. A fielder’s choice by Matthew Pelt scored a run when the throw home was wide to make it 4-3. The bases were loaded with one out, but a pop up and a strikeout ended the game.
Wofford starter DooJoon Park (0-1) went 3.2 innings and allowed four runs on five hits with one strikeout. Tanner Hawley worked 2.1 innings and gave up two hits with two strikeouts. Luke Leftwich went an inning and did not allow a hit with one strikeout. J.D. Osborne struck out two and gave up one hit in one inning. Eric Eck went an inning and did not allow a runner.
Presbyterian starter Brett Byrum (1-1) threw seven innings and did not allow a run on six hits along with three strikeouts. Kelly Wright went an inning and gave up three runs with one strikeout. Michael Ricchi picked up the save with two hits and two strikeouts in the ninth.
On Friday, Wofford will host Dayton at 4:00 p.m. at Russell C. King Field. The Terriers also host Marshall on Saturday for a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. before wrapping up the weekend with another contest against Marshall at 1:00 p.m.
