ETSU saw its first seven batters score to take a 7-0 lead before Appalachian State took its first cuts, but ETSU found itself trailing by one run in the ninth before scoring eight straight in its final at-bat to win, 19-12.
ETSU’s (10-17, 6-8 SoCon) Kevin Brotherton led off the ninth with a walk. Beau Alford’s sacrifice bunt attempt put runners on first and second with none out. After Shane Byrne’s successful sacrifice moved the runners up a base, Justin Clear doubled to score both Brotherton and Alford. Walks to Tim Turner and Caleb Moore loaded the bases for Andy Howdeshell. Howdeshell’s brought home three runners to make it a 16-12 game. Three more runs came across to set the final count.
Appy (8-19, 3-9 SoCon) could not mount a rally in the bottom of the ninth. ETSU reliever Willie McKenzie retired the side in order to end the game. Jarrod Hyder pitched 41/3 of relief to improve to 4-1. Scott Clark took the loss to fall to 0-5 on the year.
Moore opened the scoring in the first with a two-run home run to right field to give the Bucs a 2-0 advantage. After the first of seven Appalachian errors allowed Howdeshell to reach base and later score, the bases were full of Bucs when Alford notched a grand slam over the right-center field fence to make it 7-0.
Both starting pitchers were chased from the game early. Appalachian’s Taylor Craig gave up seven runs and did not retire a batter. ETSU’s Steven Calicutt lasted 12/3 inning.
ETSU returns on Tuesday when it hosts Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m.

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