FURMAN RALLIES PAST MICHIGAN STATE 7-6
Greenville, S.C.-- Cole Hubka's single in the bottom of the eighth inning capped a four-run comeback as Furman rallied past Michigan State, 7-6, in baseball action Tuesday afternoon at Furman Baseball Stadium.
With the win, the Paladins improve to 5-8 on the season, while the Spartans fall to 5-2 on the year. Michigan State took an early 1-0 lead after Scott Koerber singled to right field, scoring Kyle Geshwin.
Furman's offensive got on track in the third inning when Derek Norman doubled to right field to drive in Nick Wadja. Drew Latora followed with a two-run home run to left field, giving the Paladins a 3-1 lead.
The Spartans answered in the top of the fourth as Paladin starter Corey Etheridge issued back-to-back walks after a lead off single by Charlie Braun to load the bases. Bob Malek followed with a single to center field to score Braun. Centerfielder Chris McCuiston cleared the bases with a grand slam to left field, allowing Michigan State to claim a 6-3 lead.
Furman's Nick Wajda singled in the seventh, plating Danny Rueckel to cut the Spartan's lead to 6-4. In the eighth, the Paladins rallied off Michigan State reliever Pat Gill (0-1), scoring three runs off four hits to take a 7-6 lead.
Paladin closer Rob Purvis relieved Sam Perry (1-0) in the ninth and held off the Spartans to pick up his third save of the year.
Furman was led offensively by Danny Rueckel, who went 3-for-3 with one RBI and two runs scored on the day.
Michigan State travels to Spartanburg on Wednesday to face Wofford at 7:00 p.m. Furman takes the field on Thursday as William and Mary comes to Greenville. The first pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.