JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – On Thursday night, the Wofford College baseball team was defeated 7-1 by East Tennessee State at Thomas Stadium in the opening game of a three-game Southern Conference series. The Terriers scored in the second inning to take an early lead. The Bucs plated seven unanswered runs in the next three innings – including four in the fourth inning – for the victory.
Wofford is 23-17 on the season and 6-4 in the SoCon. ETSU is 27-10 overall and 7-3 in league play. The Terriers had seven hits in the game, including two by
John Dempsey. Jackson Greer led the Bucs with a three-run homer in the fourth inning.
Brett Rodriguez singled to begin the game. A double play and strikeout ended the top of the first inning. The Bucs were retired in order in the bottom of the first inning. With one out in the top of the second,
Andrew Orzel walked but was out at third base on a single by
Colin Davis. A single by
Ethan Cornelius scored Davis for a 1-0 lead.
The Bucs had runners on the corners with two outs in the bottom of the second after a double and walk. A strikeout ended the scoring chance. Wofford was retired in order in the top of the third inning. With one out in the bottom of the third, a single was followed by an error which gave the Bucs runners in scoring position. A sacrifice fly tied the game and a throwing error gave ETSU a 2-1 advantage. A walk loaded the bases before a strikeout ended the third inning.
In the top of the fourth inning,
John Dempsey singled with one out but was unable to advance. The Bucs led off the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run for a 3-1 lead. With two runners on base after walks and two outs, a home run by Jackson Greer made it a 6-1 game. The Terriers had a single by
Matty Brown with one out in the top of the fifth inning, but he was picked off. The Bucs had a walk with one out in the bottom of the fifth and the runner scored on a double. Both teams were retired in order in the sixth inning.
John Dempsey led off the seventh inning with a double but was unable to advance. The Bucs stranded two in the bottom of the seventh after a hit by pitch and double.
Matty Brown opened the eighth inning with a walk but was caught stealing second. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, the Bucs had a hit by pitch and single. A fielder's choice ended the inning.
Hudson Byorick doubled through the left side to lead off the ninth inning.
Michael Wynne pinch ran and was out at third on a fielder's choice by
Matt Pagano. A double play ended the game.
David Yourke (1-2) started for the Terriers and went 2.2 innings with two unearned runs allowed on two hits, along with three strikeouts.
Anthony Garcia threw 1.1 innings with four runs allowed on two hits and a strikeout.
Ty Reginelli gave up one run on one hit in two innings with three strikeouts.
Jake Dippold went the final two innings without allowing a run on two hits and a strikeout.
ETSU starter Micah Kaczor (5-0) threw eight innings with one run allowed on six hits, while striking out five. Daulton Montagna closed the game and allowed one hit.
The Terriers will continue the series at ETSU on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m., weather permitting.
