Bullpen, Bats Help Eagles Take Series

Saturday, February 14

Statesboro, GA

2 pm

Georgia Southern University

2-0

Bethune-Cookman

0-2

Bethune-Cookman

Georgia Southern

2/14/2015 6:13:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Video: Hennon Interview | Photo Gallery

STATESBORO, Ga. – A five-run third and four-run sixth innings propelled the Georgia Southern Eagles to a 12-8 win and a series victory over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

Neither starting pitcher lasted past the third inning and both staffs allowed a combined 19 walks, but the Georgia Southern (2-0) bullpen held firm, allowing only one earned run on four hits as seven pitchers tossed a combined 6.1 frames.

The Eagles were forced to rally after Bethune-Cookman (0-2) jumped out to a 4-0 lead and chased starter Adam Kelly from the game in the second inning. Kelly struck out the side in the first inning but struggled with command in his second frame.

"I was proud of the way our team responded. I liked the way our guys kept battling. Nobody panicked," Head Coach Rodney Hennon said. "It wasn't the way you would draw it up but the good thing is we can learn some things from today."

GS tallied nine hits and drew 10 walks while taking advantage of four Wildcat errors. Dalton Busby drove in three runs without a hit, plating runners with two sacrifice flies and a bases loaded walk. Ryan Cleveland doubled and scored three runs, while both Kody Adams and Chase Griffin tallied two singles each.

"We were able to put together some good at-bats and take advantage of some base on balls," said Hennon. "I thought we had some good at-bats and did some good things running the bases."

GS plated five runs on four hits and two Wildcat errors in the third inning to take their first lead of the contest, but BCU tied the game at 7-7 in the top of the sixth inning.

The Eagles broke the tie in the bottom half of the frame scoring four runs on three hits and an error. C.J. Brazil started the inning with a single and later scored on an Adams base hit. A passed ball plated Adams after Aaron Mizell and Chase Griffin both reached base. Busby drew a bases loaded walk for the final run of the inning.

The runs handed Jason Richman (1-0) his first win of the season. The junior recorded two outs in the sixth inning and allowed one hit. Anthony Paesano (1) picked up a save after tossing two perfect frames.

Sidney Duprey (0-1) was tagged with the loss after surrendering three runs on four hits and a walk. Duprey struck out two batters over 2.1 innings.

The three-game season opening series wraps up tomorrow with a 1 p.m. first pitch. Eagles will send freshman left hander Connor Simmons to the mound against the Wildcats' Kevin Griffey.

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