BOX SCORE
FERRUM, Va. -- A bases loaded hit by in the bottom of the ninth inning by
Patrick Crooks drove in the winning run as Ferrum College defeated Roanoke College 8-7 in non-conference baseball action this afternoon at home.
Ferrum trailed 6-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning but exploded for six runs and a 7-6 lead.
Justin Franklin belted his third home run in as many games, a two run shot over the right field fence in the sixth.
Roanoke tied the game at 7-7 in the eighth inning when Jordan McGraner reached on a fielder's choice, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on Graham Thacker's RBI single.
In the bottom of the ninth,
Michael Nolte led off with a single to right field, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by
Jason Butterworth.
Daniel Alvarez drew a walk, then advanced to second on a wild pitch, Nolte advancing to third on the play.
Travis Crump was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out.
Paul Jaglowski then reached on a fielder's choice, Crump advanced to second, Alvarez advanced to third and Nolte was thrown out at home. Crooks then singled to deep left field, scoring Alvarez from third for the winning run.
Trey Finch picked up the win, pitching two innings of relief. He allowed two hits and an earned run, and struck out three of the 10 batters he faced. William Ruberry absorbed the loss for the Maroons. He pitched 1.2 innings of relief, allowing two hits and an earned run, walking three and striking out two.
Ferrum (2-1) got two base hits each from Jaglowski, Nolte and Alvarez. Starting pitcher
Brian Mays went five innings, allowing eight hits and three earned runs, while striking out six.
Roanoke (2-2) was led by Thacker, who went 3-4 with a double, two runs and two RBI. Starting pitcher Cody Kidd scattered six hits over six innings, allowing an earned run, walking two and striking out five.
Ferrum returns to action Sunday, Feb. 15, at home against the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The non-conference doubleheader gets underway at 1 p.m. at Panther Field.
