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VIDEO: Postgame Interview with NCCU head coach Jim Koerner DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University received a solid pitching performance from starter
Cameron Scalzo before a two-out error allowed visiting Gardner-Webb University to force extra innings, where NCCU took advantage of a Bulldogs' miscue to score the game-winning run in the 10th inning for a 3-2 victory at Durham Athletic Park on Tuesday.
Scalzo pitched six scoreless innings for NCCU (5-8), allowing just four hits with five strikeouts and no walks. During his tenure, the Eagles plated two runs, the first a solo home run off the bat of
Kory Wood in the third inning and the second an RBI single by
Eric Kimber in the sixth.
In the top of the seventh inning. Gardner-Webb (10-6), a team out of the Big South that won 10 straight games earlier in the season, made the most of a two-out error when pinch hitter Patrick Graham belted a two-run home run to even the score at 2-2.
NCCU threatened to end the game in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded and one out, but a dazzling double play started by a diving Scott Johnson at second base ended the threat.
After NCCU reliever
Andrew Vernon forced the Bulldogs into a 1-2-3 10th inning,
Trevor Theissen started the bottom of the frame with an infield single and advanced to third when the throw from third base rolled down the right field line. Following a walk to Wood,
Cory Williamson, in his only at-bat of the afternoon, smashed a ground ball off the foot of the GWU pitcher, the first baseman picked up the loose ball, but the throw to the plate was not in time to cut down the game-winning run.
WATCH Wood recorded two of the Eagles' seven hits, while Kimber, Theissen,
James Dey,
Christian Triplett and
Ronald Thompson all hit safely.
Vernon earned the win for NCCU, while Ryan Boelter took the loss for G-WU.
This is NCCU's first win in the series with Gardner-Webb, as the Bulldogs swept a doubleheader from the Eagles two seasons ago.
NCCU returns to action on Wednesday, March 11, visiting Charleston Southern University in South Carolina for a 4:00 p.m. start.
