The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) baseball team scored three runs with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but Wofford held on for a 7-6 victory on May 8 from Spartanburg. With this loss, ETSU’s record moves to 29-18 overall and 9-7 in conference play.
The game saw ETSU collect ten hits, half of which went for extra bases, including four doubles and one home run. Several players contributed multiple hits to lead the offense. Six different pitchers took the mound for ETSU. The starting pitcher made his first career start and pitched four innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts. Another reliever picked up three strikeouts in just over an inning of shutout relief.
Both teams’ starting pitchers kept the game scoreless through three innings before ETSU opened scoring in the fourth with a double followed by an RBI single. Wofford responded quickly with a leadoff triple and a two-run home run by Lucas Manning to take their first lead at 3-1.
In the fifth inning, ETSU tied it up after loading the bases with no outs and getting a key double that brought home two runs. This marked only the second time this season that Wofford starter Alec Bouchard allowed three or more runs in an outing.
Wofford regained control in the seventh inning thanks to walks, bunt singles, and a crucial three-run double from Marc Quarrie to make it 7-3. In their final at-bat, ETSU rallied as Ault hit a double and Hill singled him home before Conner hit his fourteenth home run of the season to bring them within one run. However, Wofford closer Branton Little secured the final out to preserve their win.
ETSU will attempt to even up the series tomorrow afternoon when they face Wofford again at 2 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
