NCAA Box Score

FERRUM, Va. -- Justin Franklin went 3-3 with a pair of home runs to lead Ferrum College to an 11-10 USA South win over Averett University tonight at Panther Field.

Franklin sent a three-run bomb over the right field fence in the bottom of the first inning to put Ferrum up 5-1 after one. Franklin then had a solo blast to right field in the bottom of the third inning to give Ferrum a 6-3 lead.

Following two scoreless innings, the Cougars tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the sixth inning. Ferrum made it 10-6 in the bottom of the seventh, with Caleb Dorton and Franklin doubling then scoring later in the inning.

Ferrum led 11-9 in the top of the ninth inning when Tyler Easterly entered the game.  Easterly faced eight batters, allowed four hits and an earned run before shutting the Cougars down and earning the save.

Franklin went 3-3 with two home runs, a double, two walks, four RBI and three runs. Dorton was 2-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs. Trey Finch got the win for Ferrum, pitching 2.1 innings in relief. Finch allowed three hits and three earned runs, struck out three and walked none.

Averett (15-6, 3-1 USA South) was led by Eric McGuire, who went 4-5 at the plate with a double, three runs and an RBI. Brian Knowles absorbed the loss, pitching the first six innings of the game and allowing seven earned runs on seven hits, while striking out six and walking five.

Ferrum (10-2, 2-1 USA South) will face Averett in the second game of the USA South series Monday, March 15, at 5 p.m. at Panther Field.