March 8, 2009

Final Stats

DURHAM, N.C.- The North Carolina Central University Eagles committed a season-high seven errors, and the Savannah State University Tigers scored runs in seven of nine innings, while pounding out 16 hits in a 21-7 win at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Sunday.

Savannah State led 8-2 going into the bottom of the fifth, when the Eagles put a dent in the Tiger armor. Blake Murray hit a three-run homer over the "Blue Monster" in left field, and Oliver Jenkins hit a two-run triple to cut the NCCU deficit to just one. Then the Tigers awoke.

Savannah State went on to score 13 unanswered runs, including seven runs on three hits in the top of the sixth to put NCCU away for good. The Tigers hurler Shane Matthews (1-0) came on in relief and did his part in keeping the Eagles at bay after the fifth inning, forcing NCCU to leave five runners stranded in scoring position.

Savannah State outfielder Dexter Kelley provided the final fireworks by hitting a grand slam in the top of the eighth inning, pushing the score to its final destination. The 21 runs scored by Savannah State is the second most scored on NCCU in the Division I era. NCCU Junior transfer Joseph Cobb (0-1) took the loss in his home debut.

Despite the loss, NCCU junior second baseman Kurt Wilson had a stellar day at the plate going 3-for-4 with two doubles, scoring once.

Up next for NCCU (2-5) are the Eagles of Coppin State University. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the DBAP.

Admission is free for NCCU baseball fans at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.