The Cats win game & series over Furman

In the top of the 12th inning, Julian Ridings doubled, then with two outs, scored on a wild pitch to break open a 4-all tie.  Then, the Catamounts then added five more runs in the inning for the 9-3 win over the Paladins at Latham Stadium. The rubber game win also gave the Cats a series victory over Furman, 2 games to one.

Western led the game 3-1 in the ninth, when Western's closer, Preston Hatcher, walked pinch-hitter Jake Jones with one out in the inning. Hatcher then gave up the game tying two-run home run to left field by Furman freshman Jordan Simpson.

Neither team was able to mount a serious threat in the 10th or 11th inning, but in the top of the 12th, Ridings doubled down the right field line. Then Paladin reliever Drake Browne hit Tyler White. Hatcher  now batting, completed a sacrifice bunt, moving the base runners. Dykota Spiess was intentionally walked by Browne to load the bases. Browne then struck out Austin Neary for the second out of the inning. With the bases now loaded, a wild pitch by Browne allowed Ridings to score from third base, breaking the tie and giving the Cats a 5-4 advantage.

Hatcher (4-2) worked the final 4 2/3 innings of the game to earn the win. He allowed two runs on two hits, walked three, and struck out one.


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