FURMAN AND THE CITADEL SPLIT TWINBILL 2-1, 0-3
Charlestson, S.C.-- Sophomore right-hander Tom Matsny hurled 7.1 innings, struck out three and allowed only one runs to lead Furman past The Citadel, 2-2, in game one of the Southern Conference doubleheader in Riley Park. While game two featured junior right-hander T.A. Fulmer who teamed with two other Bulldogs to shutout the Paladins, 3-0.
In game one, The Citadel (30-19, 16-7 SoCon) got the scoring started in the bottom of the third inning as leftfielder Brook Dantzler singled and scorend on an infield single by designated hitter Daryl Byrd to push the Bulldogs to an early 1-0 lead.
Furman (25-20, 14-11 SoCon) responded in the top of the seventh as the Paladins plated two runs in the frame to take a 2-1 advantage. The inning was highlighted by a triple by shortstop Danny Rueckel. Rueckel, then scored on a RBI single by designated hitter Justin Maderer. The Paladins plated another run as Cole Hubka scored on a ground out to give Furman the final 2-1 edge.
Matsny improved to 7-4 on the season and junior right-hander Rob Purvis picked up his second save of the season. Sophomore left-hander Eric Talbert fell to 8-2.
Game two was another pitcher’s duel that featured the Bulldogs as Fulmer teamed up with fellow junior right-handers Matt Hamer and Randy Corn for the 3-0 shutout. Fulmer improved to 4-3 on the season and Corn picked up his ninth save. Cory Etheridge picked up the loss to fall to 4-4 on the season.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning as junior third baseman Dallas McPherson walked to lead off the frame and scored on a sacrifice fly by junior shortstop David Griffin. The Bulldogs added two more in the eighth for insurance as Byrd scored on a RBI double by McPherson. McPherson later scored on a fielder’s choice by senior rightfielder Stuart Jordan.
The Bulldogs and Paladins square off again tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm.