Eagles Walk Over Jacksonville
4/8/2008 4:08:00 AM | Baseball
STATESBORO,
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,
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.
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 (
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.
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.
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