Ferrum Scores Game-Winner In Bottom Of The Ninth, Downs CNU 8-7

BURLINGTON, NC - Michael Nolte's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth plated the winning run to give Ferrum an 8-7 win on day one of the USA South baseball tournament Thursday evening.

The Panthers struck first as Sowers hit a triple to lead off the bottom of the first and scored on Brett Thomas' RBI single through the left side.

The Captains struck for two in the top of the third as Trae Bailey drove a double into the left-centerfield gap scoring Zach Hutchison and Alex Owen.

Ferrum tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the third on Thomas' towering home run to straight away centerfield.

In the Captains fifth, Michael Kurbjeweit reached on an error by the left fielder and advanced to second on the play. Alex Owen followed by reaching first on a Panther error. After Joey Martin struck out attempting to bunt with two strikes, Kurbjeweit and Owen attempted a delayed double-steal, but Kurbjeweit was thrown out while Owen reached second safely.

With two outs, Zach Hutchison singled to right-centerfield scoring Owen from second. Bailey followed by smashing a double to left-centerfield, scoring Hutchison to give the Captains a 4-2 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, FC struck for three runs to re-take the lead, 5-4. John Sain's double to left scored one run and Baker drove in two runs.

Christopher Newport re-took the lead in the top of the seventh. Kurbjeweit reached once again on an error and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Alex Owen. Hutchison followed two batters later with a single to center that scored Kurbjeweit from second. Bailey followed with his third hit of the game, a single to left that scored Hutchison from second.

Ferrum knotted the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh. Thomas singled with one out and scored on Matt Gammon's double to left-center.

Sowers' single plated scored Nick Baker who doubled earlier in the inning to give FC a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth.

In the top of the ninth, the Captains loaded the bases and Ryan McDougal walked to tie the score at 7-7.

Sowers finished 4-for-5 to pace the Panthers. Thomas finished 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and two more driven in. Baker was 3-for-4 with two RBI.

Bailey led the Captains by going 4-for-5 with four RBI. Hutchison was 2-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored.

Kenny Moreland started for CNU and went 6 1/3 innings, allowed six runs on 11 hits, walked one and struck out nine. Kevin Moreland relieved and took the loss, pitching 1 2/3 innings while giving up one run on two hits.

Jimmy Holm started for the Panthers and lasted five innings. Holm allowed four runs, two earned, on five hits and struck out three. Brian Bowles picked up the win in relief, by going two innings, allowing one run on three hits.

Ferrum will play Averett at 9 am Friday while Christopher Newport plays the loser of the Methodist/Greensboro game at 12:30 Friday.

Box Score

Trae Bailey led the Captains offensively by going 4-for-5 with 4 RBI.

Ferrum's Brett Thomas (19) celebrates with his teammates after his home run.