SEWANEE, Tenn. -- Berry College defeated Sewanee, 6-2, in the first game of an SAA doubleheader on Saturday. The win was the 500th for Vikings' Head Coach David Beasley.
The Vikings plated three runs in the third inning en route to the win. The runs came with two outs and the highlight was a double by Zach Farmer (2-4, run, two RBI) which scored Alex McGill (2-5, two RBI), who had reached on a single. Alfred Francis and TC Boyd also had two hits in the game.
BC later added single runs in the sixth, seventh and ninth frames. The Vikes outhit the Tigers, 12-4.
Berry got a strong start in the game from pitcher Ben Jernigan (4-1). He pitched seven innings, scattered four hits, allowed two runs and struck out four while allowing no walks. Ryan O'Connell pitched two perfect frames and had three strikeouts to close the game and earn his first save of the season.
"It's definitely a nice accomplishment," said Beasley. "But when I think about it, I think about all of the great players and teams we have had at Berry College. I also want to thank our current players: They have bought in and are a tribute to our success. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported our program, especially my assistant coaches and Berry administrators over the years."
Win #501 would come soon thereafter as the Vikings won the nightcap, 7-1. The game was tied 1-1 through five frames before BC tallied three runs in the sixth and seventh innings of the seven-inning game.
At the plate, McGill had two RBI, Francis went 2-2 with a run and two stolen bases and two runs batted-in.
Joey Bell started and got no decision. Ryan O'Connell (3-0) threw a scoreless inning and got the win. Chad Busby pitched the last two innings.
Berry--which now has a five-game winning streak--improved to 11-4 and 4-1. The Tigers dropped to 5-6, 0-5. The final contest of the three-game series is Sunday at Sewanee.
Beasley is in his 17th year as head coach of the Vikings. The winningest coach in the program's history. He now has a 501-334-1 overall record. Berry College will recognize Beasley for his milestone when Transylvania visits next weekend.