HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Emory & Henry College Baseball Team (1-6, 0-1 SAC) dropped a hard-fought game one of a three-game South Atlantic Conference series Friday afternoon to Coker University (5-3, 1-0 SAC). The Cobras took the win in 11 innings by a 3-2 margin.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Coker 3, Emory & Henry 2 (11 Innings)
LOCATION – Hartsville, South Carolina
VENUE – Tom J. New Field at Dave Schmotzer Stadium
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (1-6, 0-1 SAC); Coker (5-3, 1-0 SAC)
How It Happened
Both starting pitchers were on their game to begin the afternoon as the squads were kept off of the scoreboard through the opening five innings. Fifth-year righty Zach Clover (Cary, N.C.) was masterful on the hill, scattering just three hits and a pair of walks over the first five frames. The Wasps broke the scoreless tie in the top of the sixth. Senior third baseman Jared Foley (Sparta, N.C.) doubled, then moved up to third on a single from fifth-year outfielder Tyler Bradley (Bessemer City, N.C.). Junior first baseman Jacob Bebber (Taylorsville, N.C.) drew a walk to load the bases and junior designated hitter Steven Smith (Salisbury, N.C.) was issued another free pass to force home a run and give E&H the 1-0 lead.
Coker answered in the bottom of the inning with a run on three hits to tie things at 1-1. The Cobras threatened to add more with runners at second and third with only one out, but reliever Zack McRae (Greensboro, N.C.) put out the fire with a strikeout and a flyout to keep the score even. CU tacked on another run in the bottom of the seventh to jump ahead 2-1.
The Wasps would mount a rally in the top of the ninth. Freshman catcher Nick Morris (Mint Hill, N.C.) led off with a single before being pinch run for by freshman Devin Daproza (Leonia, N.J.). Daproza moved up on a sacrifice bunt then came around to score on an RBI single from fifth-year second baseman Noah Mazza (Plainfield, Ill.) to tie things back up at 2-2. E&H managed to load the bases but could not come up with the go-ahead hit and the game remained all square heading to the home half of the ninth. After a leadoff double, senior righty Jack Swarbrick (Haverhill, Mass.) set down the next three batters to send the game to extra innings.
The two teams held serve through the tenth inning and the Wasps were set down in order in the top of the 11th. Coker found the crucial base knock in the bottom of the inning when Alex Lazar singled through the right side of the infield to drive in the winning run and give the Cobras the 3-2 victory.
Manny Reyes earned the win for Coker as he went two innings in relief without conceding a run. Swarbrick was the tough-luck loser on the night as he allowed just one run and three hits while striking out five batters over 4 ⅔ innings. Fifth-year outfielder Jermie Greene, Jr. (Troutman, N.C.) led E&H with a pair of base hits while seven other Wasps recorded a knock. Mazza and Smith posted the two RBIs for Emory & Henry.
Up Next
The Wasps wrap up the weekend series with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch of game one is scheduled for noon.
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