Hennon Interview | Thomas Interview
STATESBORO, Ga. – Hunter Thomas recorded his second walk-off hit in three games as the Georgia Southern Eagles swept the series from the Appalachian State Mountaineers with a 6-5 win in 10 innings on Sunday. The Eagles improved to 11-1 in weekend series play.
Georgia Southern (11-5, 3-0) led 5-0 after seven innings, but Appalachian State (5-9, 0-3) scored five combined runs over the eighth and ninth innings to tie the game at 5-5.
Carson Jones plated the tying run in the ninth inning with a two RBI single into center field.
Jordan Howard led off the 10th inning with a bunt single, and
Logan Baldwin moved him into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Thomas, who had a walk-off single on Friday night, hit the first pitch he saw over the head of the centerfielder Bradley Morton to drive in the game-winning run.
"All three games were very competitive. It wasn't easy, and we are very fortunate to find a way to win today," Head Coach
Rodney Hennon said. "I am proud of our guys for hanging in there. We didn't take advantage of opportunities earlier in the game."
Ryan Frederick faced five batters in the top of the 10th inning but kept the Mountaineers off the scoreboard with a ground out to second base. Frederick (2-0) picked up his second win of the season and struck out a batter.
Taylor Thurber (2-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing two hits and one run.
Eagle starter
Connor Simmons held App State scoreless over 6.1 innings and allowed seven hits and no walks in his fourth start of the year. Simmons struck out a career-best eight batters including two in each of the first, fourth and sixth innings.
"I thought Connor gave us a great effort today. He pitched well and was very efficient on the mound," Hennon said. "He made some big pitches with men on base."
The Eagles return to action Tuesday and will travel to Georgia Tech. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN3. GS will be back home on Wednesday to host North Florida at 6 p.m.
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