Eagles Walk Over Jacksonville

STATESBORO, Ga. – Chris Shehan (Strasburg, PA/Lampeter-Strasburg) tied a Georgia Southern record for walks in a game and Griffin Benedict (Dunwoody/St. Pius) matched his career-high RBI and hit totals as the Eagles defeated Jacksonville 12-6 Tuesday night (April 8) at J.I. Clements Stadium. Georgia Southern (17-14 overall) snapped a four-game losing streak.

Shehan, batting third in the line-up, matched a program record of four walks in a game getting on base for the clean-up hitter Benedict, who drove in five runs for the third time this season and recorded four hits for the fourth time in his career. In fact, Georgia Southern scored on six of the 10 walks JU allowed.

Jeremy Gillan hit a two-out, solo home run in the first inning to give the Dolphins an early 1-0 lead. The Eagles came right back during their half.

Ty Wright (Montrose/West Laurens) drew a leadoff walk then two batters later Shehan also walked. Benedict ripped a 2-run double down the left field line. Jeremiah Parker (Carrollton/Carrollton) singled and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. David Richardson (Dahlonega/Lumpkin County) lined a two-out single that scored both runners for a 4-1 lead.

Wright walked again, this time to start the second inning. Phillip Porter (Marietta/Sprayberry) reached on an infield single and both runners advanced on Shehan’s flyball. Benedict hit a RBI single to right, and then Porter eventually scored on relief pitcher Brian Gilroy’s balk to extend the lead to 6-1.

Dan Maier hit a 2-run homer in the fourth then the Dolphins scored an unearned run in the sixth to make it a two run game. However, Benedict came through with another clutch hit.

Wright reached base for the third time in the game as the leadoff hitter, a single to start the sixth. Porter nearly beat out a sacrifice bunt attempt then Shehan drew his third walk of the game. The junior catcher ripped another double to the left field gap, scoring two runs for an 8-4 lead.

Jacksonville (18-13) threatened to tie the game in the eighth. A bunt single and two bloop hits loaded the bases, bringing the potential tying run to the plate with no one out. Tony Chisman (Conyers/Salem) battled back to get consecutive strikeouts. Head coach Rodney Hennon brought in Blake Nation (Brooks/Starr’s Mill). The junior right-hander caught pinch-hitter Brad Simmons looking on a called third strike to end the threat.

The Eagles added four insurance runs in the eighth. Porter walked, Shehan drew his record-tying fourth walk and Benedict dropped down a bunt single to load the bases with no one out. Parker walked to bring home the first run of the frame. A.J. Wirnsberger (Tuscaloosa, AL/Paul Bear Bryant) and Richardson hit consecutive sacrifice flies then Brian Pierce (Roswell/Roswell) lined a RBI single up the middle.

Nation recorded a strikeout of Jamaal Hawkins to start the ninth, but he reached on a passed ball. Nation struck out another Dolphin, but that passed ball would eventually lead to two unearned runs for the final margin.

Shehan said that the early lead and pitching of Aaron Eubanks (Moultrie/Colquitt County) were two big keys.

“We went out and got an early lead then (Aaron) Eubanks turned in a quality start, even though he was on limited innings. He still threw well and put some zeroes on the scoreboard after we had a rough weekend,” said Shehan. “I tried to keep the same approach as always at the plate tonight, not to chase anything. I think they were being careful with me (batting in the three spot), but we have dangerous hitters batting right behind me. Griffin has shown all season long he can have a big game. Tonight was a big win, especially having lost our last four. We were able to get back on our feet, back in the win column before seeing Appalachian State this weekend.”

Benedict also scored two runs to go along with his career-high tying five RBI and four hits. Wright, Porter and Pierce had two hits apiece as the Eagles held a 13-11 edge. The first five batters in the line-up scored all 12 runs.

Eubanks (4-1) picked up his team-leading fourth win, allowing one run on two hits in three innings. Charlie Strohecker (Alpharetta/Milton) allowed one unearned run on one hit in 2.1 innings. Chisman pitched 1.2 scoreless innings with three Ks and Nation had three strikeouts over the final 1.1 innings to earn his fifth save.

Sean Green (1-3) was charged for six runs on five hits and four walks in 1.1 innings. Gillan finished with four hits, three runs scored and two RBI.

Georgia Southern continues its six-game homestand this weekend, playing host to Appalachian State in Southern Conference play. Friday night’s (April 11) first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Category: Baseball

Published on Tuesday, 08 April 2008 00:08