Box Score Box Score WILMINGTON, N.C. – North Carolina Central University committed four errors in their game against UNC Wilmington, and those errors proved costly as the Eagles fell 9-3 on the road Wednesday afternoon.
The fielding miscues began in the first inning as UNCW (7-3) leadoff hitter Steven Linkous (Leland, N.C.) laid down a bunt single to third baseman
Troy Marrow (Lutherville, Md.), who fired to first on the run to beat the runner, but sent his throw to right field. Linkous was tagged out at third trying to advance on the error, limiting the damage for the Eagles, but that set the tone for the day.
NCCU (3-6) committed their second error of the day in the same inning as pitcher
Eric Kimber (Greensboro, N.C.) attempted to pick a runner off at first, and threw the ball over the head of first baseman
Christian Triplett (Wilkesboro, N.C.), allowing the runner to advance, and eventually score the first run of the game for UNCW.
The Seahawks opened the margin in the second inning by way of a two-run home run from Joe Bertone (Huntersville, N.C.) that pushed the game to 3-0, and UNCW only went on to increase the lead from there in the later innings.
NCCU pulled back their first run of the game in the fourth on an RBI groundout from Triplett, who brought home Marrow. In the fifth, Marrow took his turn driving in a run on an RBI single. The Eagles put their final run on the board in the ninth inning when
Kory Wood (Spring Lake, N.C.) deposited the very first pitch he saw this season over the left field wall as a pinch hitter.
Despite committing two errors, Marrow led the Eagles offensively going 4-for-5 with three singles and a double, along with an RBI and a run scored.
For UNCW, right fielder Troy Dunlap had a perfect day at the plate, ending 4-for-4 with two singles and a pair of doubles, along with three RBI and two runs scored.
Besides the runs scored, pitching was a highlight for UNCW, especially freshman starter Austin Easter (Sparta, N.C.). Easter took the mound for his first collegiate start, and while shaky at the start allowing his first batter to walk on four pitches, did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. He finished his day with four complete innings pitched, with just the one hit and an earned run allowed, walking two and striking out three. The win, however, was credited to Taylor Hyssong (Frederick, Md.), his first of the year (0-1).
Eric Kimber picked up his second loss in as many starts (0-2), lasting two innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits, striking out three batters and walking two.
The Eagles next travel south to Bethune-Cookman for a three-game set this weekend at Jackie Robinson Park.
