HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Senior Chase Counts/Virginia Beach hit a two-out, game-winning walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead Hampden-Sydney College to a thrilling 9-8 come from behind non-conference baseball win past visiting Greensboro College on Wednesday at Yank Bernier Field at the Ty Cobb Ballpark - Wurdeman Stadium. Counts' clutch hit to right center field allowed classmate Josh Duimstra/Montpelier to score the game-winning run as the Tigers celebrated their fifth-straight victory. Senior captain Bradford Webb/Charlotte Court House gained the mound win in relief with the final scoreless inning for the host Tigers (8-3) against the visiting Pride (7-7).
H-SC scored nine runs on 10 hits … scoring one run in the third inning, five runs in the sixth, two runs in the eighth and the decisive run in the ninth. The Tigers fell behind 5-1 through three innings, 8-1 through four, and trailed 8-6 through six, before tying it at 8-8 in the eighth and finally completing the comeback in the ninth.
In the third, freshman Ryan Boyce/Suffolk (3-4, 3 RBIs)—with three hits on the day—provided a two-out, RBI single that scored sophomore Ethan Badin/Richmond (1-3), who had reached base when hit by a pitch.
In the sixth, sophomore Trey Karnes/Mechanicsville (2-4, RBI) had a run-scoring single that plated Boyce, who had also singled. Freshman Noah Berringer/Richmond (0-1), who had drawn a walk while pinch-hitting, later scored on a ground ball double play with the based loaded. Duimstra (2-4, RBI) added a two-out, RBI single to score senior team captain Matt Spagnolo/Glen Allen (1-3), who had walked, as well, and Duimstra came around to cross the plate courtesy of a throwing error by the catcher. Badin, who also coaxed a walk, later scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Boyce.
In the eighth, Boyce contributed a game-tying, two-run single with one out that plated both Duimstra and Badin—each reaching on singles, as well.
In the exciting ninth, Duimstra walked with one out and advanced to second base via a passed ball. Badin also walked, before a strikeout brought Counts (1-6, RBI) to the plate with two outs. His hard-hit ball to right center field drove Duimstra home from second base with the game-winning run as the Tigers stormed the field in celebration.
Senior Jonathan Triesler/Chesterfield, recently recognized as the ODAC Pitcher of the Week for his efforts last week, started on the mound and pitched the first 3.0-plus innings, allowing 10 hits and seven runs, all earned, with three strikeouts and one walk. Freshman Justin Woodall/Mechanicsville tossed 3.1 innings of middle relief, scattering two hits and one run, earned, with two strikeouts and no walks. Senior Cameron Meyers/Benson, N.C., who started the game at third base, pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding one hit with three strikeouts and one walk. Webb (1-0) tossed the final shutout inning for his first win this season (along with two saves), retiring three-straight batters on two ground balls and a fly ball.
H-SC remains at home to begin ODAC play this weekend, hosting Roanoke College for a conference doubleheader on Saturday, March 7, at 12 p.m. at Yank Bernier Field.