2008 Woodie Awards
Crusaders snap away losing streak
Issue date: 3/1/06 Section: Sports
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Staff Writer
North Greenville's baseball team received a confidence boost last week by snapping an eight-game losing streak last week, winning three out of their last four games.
In the first game of a seven-and-seven doubleheader against Lincoln Memorial University, regulation ended with the teams tied 3-3. However, the Railsplitters scored four in the top of the ninth inning off two hits, two walks and a balk by pitcher Brandon Young, junior marketing. The Crusaders also had four errors in the game.
"We made some mistakes that cost us the game," said Tim Nihart, head coach.
The second game of the doubleheader was much brighter for NGU, as pitcher Dylan Davidson, junior sport management, shut out Lincoln Memorial, allowing only one hit in the 5-0 win. He threw a complete game, allowed no runs, struck out eight and walked four. The lone Lincoln Memorial hit came in the third inning, on a bunt single by freshman catcher Bryon Izzo.
The Crusaders scored all five of their runs in the sixth inning off four hits and one error.
Fairmont State University came to town Friday for a three-game series. NGU prevailed by a score of 8-4, as Young threw a complete game. Senior third basemen Carlos Cardenas, senior international business, also hit a two-run home run.
NGU split a doubleheader with Fairmont State University Saturday, winning the first game 5-3. Freshman pitcher Devin Vance picked up the win and outfielder Chris Tate, senior mathematics, knocked in a crucial RBI.
"We did a great job of taking care of the baseball," said Nihart of the defense.
The Crusaders lost the second game 5-1. NGU missed an opportunity in the bottom of the first inning, leaving the bases loaded.
"We just couldn't execute," said Nihart.
Junior catcher Rick Broadway drove in NGU's only run of the game with a solo home run, but FSU scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to up 5-1.
NGU improved to 5-10 on the year after winning three out of the last four games.
"It was a big confidence boost," said Nihart, "Once we get our bats going, we'll be okay."
After playing Georgia State University yesterday and completing their seven-game home stand, NGU is at Mars Hill today for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. After that, the Crusaders will travel to Trevecca Nazarene University for a 6 p.m. game Friday, March 3 and a noon doubleheader Saturday, March 7, the team will play a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Georgia State, and will play a doubleheader at St. Andrew's University the next day at 1 p.m. The Crusaders will return home March 15 to face Chowan College.
"We have our work cut out for us," Nihart said.
Today's game as well as next week's game against Georgia State University will be aired on WNGR 95.5.