Cullowhee, NC— On a soggy Tuesday night in nonconference baseball action at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium, Mason Holton drew a bases-loaded, walk-off walk to conclude a three-run bottom of the ninth inning as Western Carolina rallied for a 6-5 victory against mountain foe UNC Asheville.
After driving a two-run double to the fence in centre field to bring in the game-tying runs in the last frame, James Hinson recorded three RBI in the winning effort. The Catamounts broke a four-game losing streak and extended their winning streak to three consecutive games over the Bulldogs after Holton skillfully coaxed a five-pitch, two-out free pass to score Nate Stocum with the game-winning run after Cole Jones was intentionally walked to load the bases.
Trent Turner went 3-for-4 with two singles, a double, and two runs scored to lead the two Catamounts with multi-hit games. With a double and the previously mentioned home run, Hinson was 2-for-4 and reached base three times on a walk. Three different batters split the final three hits for WCU, with Hayden Friese reaching three times on singles, walks, and hit batter walks. The tying run was scored by Jack Spyke, who reached base twice on walks and singles, and Kyle Harbison, who reached base twice on walks.
Trent Turner went 3-for-4 with two singles, a double, and two runs scored to lead the two Catamounts with multi-hit games. With a double and the previously mentioned home run, Hinson was 2-for-4 and reached base three times on a walk. Three different batters split the final three hits for WCU, with Hayden Friese reaching three times on singles, walks, and hit batter walks. The tying run was scored by Jack Spyke, who reached base twice on walks and singles, and Kyle Harbison, who reached base twice on walks.
In the bottom of the second inning, Hinson gave the Catamounts a 1-0 lead through two innings with a lead-off solo home run over the wall in right field. However, it was short-lived as the Bulldogs took a 3-1 lead into the fifth inning thanks to a two-run home ball to straightaway centre by UNCA’s Robbie Burnett during a three-run inning.
The fifth inning began with a single to right field from Kyle Harbison, followed by a double to third base from Trent Turner. Then, with five outs, Zach Ketterman lifted a sacrifice fly to centre, cutting the margin to one run, 3-2.
