MASNTY SHUTS DOWN UNC GREENSBORO 2-1
Greenville, S.C.-- Senior right-handed pitcher Tom Mastny tossed a complete game, allowing only six hits and one run to lead Furman past #23 UNC Greensboro 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Furman Baseball Stadium.
The game was delayed nearly an hour before both teams took the field, but the delay didn’t seem to bother the Spartans as they were able to load the bases with one out in the first inning. Mastny, however, settled down, forcing Nate Alden to ground into a double play to end the Spartans’ threat.
In the bottom-half of the inning, Clint Hill led-off with a single up the middle. UNCG starter Ryan (1-1) then issued walks to Dominic Frankey and Stephen Hildreth to load the bases. Cole Hubka followed with a single to second base, allowing Hill to score, giving Furman a 1-0 lead. Gordon then struck-out Jon Stallsmith to end the Paladins’ inning.
Furman struck again in the third inning as Hildreth doubled down the left field line, plating Andrew Greene to push Furman’s lead to 2-0.
In the fifth inning, the Spartans tried to put together a rally with two outs as Jason Sarvis singled and advanced on the throw to put runners on second and third. Mastny then walked Jason Saltalamacchia to load the bases, but the Zionsville native was able to get out of the jam when Gordon grounded out to end the inning.
Mastny (3-2) then retired the next eleven batters before giving up a solo home run to pinch hitter Jay Maule in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.
With the win, Furman improves to 9-8 on the year, 2-3 in the Southern Conference, while the Spartans fall to 15-4 and 3-2 in conference play.
The two teams conclude the three-game Southern Conference series on Sunday at Furman Baseball Stadium. Game time is slated for 1:00 pm.