FURMAN ESCAPES WOFFORD 7-5; FRANKEY NAMED TO ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Shortstop/Closer Danny Rueckel went 2-for-2 and pitched the final inning to earn a save which helped Furman past Wofford, 7-5, in game five of the 2002 Wendy’s/Pepsi Southern Conference Tournament Thursday morning at Joe Riley Park.
Furman (24-33) jumped out to the early 2-0 lead in the top of the first as right fielder Craig Caudill doubled to right and scored on a triple by catcher Derek Norman. Norman then scored on a groundout by designated hitter Coogie Freedman. The Paladins scratched another run across in the second when left fielder Ryan Presnell scored on a groundout by center fielder Cole Hubka.The Paladins then distanced themselves from Wofford in the fifth as they exploded for three runs in the fifth inning. The inning was highlighted with RBI singles from Freedman and Presnell.
Wofford (26-31) started to make a comeback in the top of the sixth as they plated four runs in the frame. SoCon Freshman-of-the-Year Matt Lein started the rally as he singled to lead off the frame. Right fielder David Dufour followed with a walk and both scored on a double by first baseman Steve Casey. Casey then scored on a dropped fly ball by Furman’s left fielder. Terrier designated hitter Chris Cotugno who reached on the play later scored on a wild pitch to draw the score to 6-4.
The Terriers closed the gap to one in the seventh as shortstop Tony Carbone walked to lead off the frame and scored on a groundout with the bases loaded. Furman escaped the inning as Wofford second baseman Brian Casey flied out to left with one out and Lein was thrown out at home on the same play to end the frame.
Furman added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth to seal the victory. Furman starter Corey Etheridge pitched six innings, struck out two and allowed three earned runs to pick up his fourth victory of the season. Wofford starter George Lehr took the loss to fall to 11-6.
Before the start of the game, Sophomore Dominic Frankey was named to the Second Team All-Conference at first base.
Furman advances to day three of the SoCon tournament to face the loser of The Citadel/Georgia Southern game at 1 pm on Friday.