Sunday, March 26, 2006

SAINTS CONQUER #10 PACERS 5-1

Dahlonega, Ga. – North Georgia College & State University defeated #10 USC Aiken 5-1 in this afternoon’s match to conclude the three game series.

Justin Rickett

Tom Bradley

The Saints (19-16, 2-7 PBC) announced their intent for today’s game as the first inning started off when Justin Rickett cranked a two-run homerun to give the Saints an early lead. The Saints then furthered their lead in the third inning as Brian Lauderdale bunted and stole second giving him 23 stolen bases this season.  Anders Oster followed with a sacrifice fly to advance Lauderdale, and Josh Tate singled to bring in the run for the Saints and give them a 3-0 lead.

The Pacers (26-7, 8-4 PBC) were not to be counted out as Robert Davis hit a solo homerun in the fourth to put the Pacers on the board.  However, the Saints’ defense and aggressive hitting would not allow any further runs.  In the sixth, Aiken’s Davis and Ken Raborn both singled to left field to put runners on first and second, but a 6-4-3 double play silenced the Pacers and gave North Georgia momentum.  With two outs, Saints’ Kyle Potts doubled to deep left field and an RBI single by Erik Good gave North Georgia a 4-1 advantage.

In the bottom of the eighth, Rickett started things off with a single through the left side.  Potts doubled down the left field line to score the final run of the game making the score 5-1.  Pacers brought in pitcher Steven Spire to close out the eighth. 

Saints’ starting pitcher Tom Bradley (4-2) earned the win with 8.1 innings allowing only one run in eight hits.  Pacers’ Jon Paul (5-1) earned his first loss allowing 11 hits. Saints’ Dustin Wellborn earned his third save of the season.

Tate led the Saints going 3-for-4 on the afternoon.  Rickett, Potts, and Lauderdale each went 2-for-4 and each scored runs that led to the Saints victory.  Davis led the Pacers’ going 2-for-4 tallying his third homerun of the season.

The Saints return to action on Tuesday as they host Southern Wesleyan University at 6:00 p.m.  The Pacers travel home to host Anderson College on Tuesday as well.

Box Score

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