Thursday, February 23, 2006

SAINTS SLIP PAST FALCONS 1-0

Dahlonega, Ga. – A one out double from senior centerfielder Dusty Tate gave North Georgia College & State University the one run they needed to score a 1-0 victory over the University of Montevallo.

Both teams had their share of opportunities in the game as the Saints (7-6) left nine runners on base and the Falcons (6-5) ended the game with seven runners stranded. Key defensive play from both teams kept the game close as both team pulled three double plays each to kill potential rallies.

UM looked to get on the board early in the game after freshman catcher Ryan Norman drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second off of a sacrifice bunt. Norman raced to score after junior centerfielder Chris Stano shot a single to centerfield, but Tate fired a relay to freshman shortstop Anders Oster who in turn snapped a throw to sophomore catcher Eric Good to apply the tag for the out at home. Freshman starting pitcher Zach Black then induced a pop out to end the inning and the threat.

The bottom of the seventh saw North Georgia end the stalemate after freshman left fielder Josh Tate led the inning off with a single to right field. A sacrifice bunt from freshman right fielder Davy Wallach sent Tate to second and older brother Dusty Tate laced a double down the line to bring in the winning run.

Freshman reliever Garrett Lussi came in to pitch 3.2 innings of relief and picked up his first collegiate win. Senior closer Kyle Potts struck two out in the ninth inning to pick up his first save of the season. Falcons senior starter Josh Davis took the loss after pitching 6.1 innings and allowing nine hits with two strikeouts.

The Saints will have their first Peach Belt Conference series this weekend as they travel to Savannah to play Armstrong Atlantic State University. The first double header begins tomorrow afternoon at 12:00 p.m. UM will also play again tomorrow as they take on Samford University in Birmingham at 4:00 p.m.

Box Score

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